New triptych honoring St. Marianne in Saint Margaret Hall
Franciscan Sister Joselle Orlando, second from right, and Father Malachi Van Tassell, president of Saint Francis University, were joined by Dr. Kerri Golden, left, and Cynthia Zane at the installation and blessing of Sister Orlando’s triptych. (Courtesy Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities)
A new work of sacred art now graces the halls of Saint Margaret Hall in the study area outside the Occupational Therapy suite. The contemplative triptych celebrates the life and legacy of St. Marianne Cope, a Franciscan sister whose compassion and courage continue to inspire.
Featured in a recent article by the Hawaii Catholic Herald, this three-panel oil painting was created by Sister Joselle Orlando, OSF, at the remarkable age of 84. Standing nearly eight feet wide, the work captures both the tenderness and strength of St. Marianne, whose ministry to those suffering from Hansen’s disease in Hawaii stands as a powerful example of selfless service. Read the article here: Art celebrating St. Marianne graces university building.
Stster Orlando told the Hawaii Catholic Herald, “My only desire for painting the story of St. Marianne is that others will see my paintings and be inspired by the heroic dedication of our dear St. Marianne, of all the sisters who dedicated their lives and love to work with her (even) to this day, as well as those who share the compassion of St. Francis … who inspired St. Marianne.” Sister Orlando is a retired art teacher who resides at the Franciscan Villa in Syracuse, New York.
The triptych was installed on May 31 and blessed by Saint Francis University President Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R. Sister Orlanda attended the ceremony along with Dr. Kerri Golden, dean of the university’s School of Health Sciences and Education, and Cynthia Zane, retired president of Hilbert College in Hamburg, New York, who has been working to bring St. Marianne’s story to Franciscan colleges and universities nationwide.
Fr. Malachi believes the work of St. Marianne will serve as an inspiration to future health sciences professionals who study in the space, and he encourages all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to take a moment to visit Saint Margaret Hall and experience this extraordinary work firsthand. Standing before the triptych, you are invited to reflect on St. Marianne’s legacy of healing, empathy, and courage, and to consider how her Franciscan spirit can inspire your own life and work.
Whether you are passing between classes, attending an event in the building, or simply seeking a quiet space for reflection, the triptych offers a profound encounter with faith, art, and the mission that unites us as a university community.
About the work:
Triptych Dedicated to Saint Marianne Cope, OSF
1838–1918
- Central Canvas: Saint Marianne, Mother to the Suffering Outcasts (30" × 40")
- Left Canvas: Saint Marianne, Healing Hope… Casting Out Darkness (24" × 30")
- Right Canvas: Saint Marianne, Echoed Saint Francis of Assisi’s Love of the Poor (24" × 30")
Artist: Sister Joselle Orlando, OSF
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Date: 2025