Summer at The Leo House: Our Summer 2025 Newsletter

As the city comes alive with sunshine, celebrations, and new beginnings, summer at The Leo House is already in full bloom—literally and figuratively. From joyful farewells to garden transformations and spiritual milestones, we’re proud to share highlights and you can read the full story here: Summer 2025 Newsletter.

Summer at The Leo House: Read our Summer 2025 Newsletter

This season marks a time of reflection, gratitude, and growth for our community. Whether you’re planning a visit to New York City or simply want to stay connected to our mission, we invite you to experience what makes summer at The Leo House so special.

A Historic Summer in the Church and at The Leo House

On May 8, 2025, the world welcomed Pope Leo XIV, and we’re especially honored as he chose a name that connects deeply with our founding. Named after Pope Leo XIII, The Leo House has carried his legacy of compassion and service for over 130 years. Sharing a namesake with our new Holy Father makes this welcoming our new pope even more meaningful.

Honoring the Faithful

In this edition, we remember three beloved figures who were so special to us at The Leo House:

Sister Kathleen was an elementary teacher and principal in parish grammar schools in the states of WI, IN, MS, and NY from 1961 to 2006. She moved to The Leo House in 2006 and was bookkeeper and a minister of hospitality. She became a CSA representative to UNANIMA, a coalition of seventeen communities of Sisters advocating against trafficking of women and children. As President of its Board of Directors, she attended a world summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 2012. She retired and returned to the Motherhouse in Fond du Lac, WI in 2020. She died on May 4, 2025 at Saint Francis Retirement Home.

A native New Yorker, born on May 4, 1942, Bishop Walsh attended Catholic schools from elementary school through college. After college he went to Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, NY and was ordained by Cardinal Spellman in May 1967. Assignments to parishes followed. After he obtained a Master’s Degree in Social Work, he joined NY Catholic Charities as Director of Family and Children Services.

He became ordained an Auxiliary Bishop of New York in 2004 and in 2007 became rector at St. Joseph’s Seminary. In 2012, Bishop Walsh was named Vicar for Clergy and the Episcopal Vicar for several vicariates. Throughout his many roles, he served as a Board Member to many Catholic and community agencies, including The Leo House. He was a Leo House Board Member from 1988 to 2025. Bishop Walsh, age 83, passed away on May 4, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Saint Elizabeth’s Church on May 13. In attendance at the crowded church were many clergy from the Archdiocese and from The Leo House: John Quinones, Sister Patricia Hayes, and Sister Marilyn Ellickson.

Pope Francis was 88 years old when he passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. He had been pope since March 13, 2013. In his words:

“Let the church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved, and forgiven.”

Thousands of people around the world mourn the death of this beloved pope. He will be remembered as a compassionate pastor who cared deeply for the poor and marginalized. He had the moral courage to stand by his convictions and challenged everyone to do the same.

Their lives of service remind us of the values at the heart of The Leo House—hospitality, faith, and dignity for all.

Summer Surprises and Staff Milestones

Summer at The Leo House also brings transitions within our team. We bid a fond farewell to Natalija Ciric, our Front Desk Manager. To celebrate, we held a surprise luncheon full of laughter and heartfelt appreciation. We welcome Francisco Lima as her successor and Darek Stachelek as our new Facilities Manager.

A Garden in Bloom

Thanks to LifeSource Irrigation and the care of our staff, our garden is thriving with summer flowers. We are enjoying our upgraded landscaping, and even a new rooftop watering system. We invite all guests to enjoy this peaceful outdoor space—perfect for quiet reflection amid the city’s bustle.

Expanded Accessibility

We’re also constructing a second accessible guest room, meeting growing demand and ensuring comfort for all travelers. If you or someone you love needs a wheelchair-accessible space, we encourage early reservation. We welcome and appreciation all donations toward this project. Using our new donations platform, you can witness in real time how the thermometer rises towards our goal when you donate. You will also receive an instant receipt emailed to you directly. We thank all donors for whatever they are able to donate as any amount brings us closer to our goal.

A Literary Surprise from a Grateful Guest

One of the most delightful moments this season came from our Little Free Library. A guest checked out—and returned—a book with a special note: he was the author! Liam Callanan, writer of When in Rome, left a copy with thanks to the Agnesian Sisters. He expressed thanks to those who supported him during his writing stay. It’s stories like these that show the impact of The Leo House and the lasting connections made here.

Celebrate Summer with Us

Whether you’re visiting NYC for a few days or reconnecting with us from afar, we hope you feel the warmth, service, and hospitality that define summer at The Leo House.