Past Events

The Holy Spirit inspired an expansion of Brunch With His Brides in 2026. With a desire to offer the Brunch to all mothers and daughters across the diocese, the planning team moved the Brunch to a larger venue downtown Fort Wayne. The day began with Holy Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated by Bishop Kevin Rhoades. There was a procession from there to the Grand Wayne Center, a block away, where the 300 mothers, daughters and Brides gathered for brunch, a keynote, delivered by Sr. Philomena of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal and a meditation on the Sacred Heart of the Bridegroom, offered by Sr. Caterina of the Poor Nuns. Fr. Brian Isenbarger, Fr. Daniel Neizer and Fr. Jake Schneider served as MC's for the event, which also included a chance for sisters to talk about their holy habits, and participate in a Q& A panel. Providence allowed for 37 Brides of Christ to be present. They came from 11 different religious orders across 7 states! Additionally, there were breakout secessions led by the sisters, an expo that allowed the young ladies to walk around and talk to all of the sisters; learning about their communities and "collect" a sticker that represented each order to place on a water bottle they received. There was a bookmark craft and the day ended with a talk on the power of prayer, led by Fr. Jake Schneider. It was a beautiful day celebrating the gift of vocation and the good plans the Bridegroom has for each heart He has created. 

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The eleven religious communities at Brunch with His Brides 2026 were: Jessica Hayes, a consecrated virgin of our diocese; the Sisters of the Third order of St. Francis from Peoria, Illinois; the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal from East Harlem, New York; the Dominican Sisters, Immaculate Conception Province, from Justice, Illinois; the Franciscan Daughters of Mary from Covington, Kentucky; the Sisters of Children of Mary from Newark, Ohio; the Religious Sisters of Mercy from Alma, Michigan; the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart from Frankfort, Illinois; the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration from Mishawaka; the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from Indianapolis; the Little Nuns from New Orleans; and the Eucharist Missionaries of Nazareth, an order from Spain that will be establishing a convent in Fort Wayne, summer 2026.