At St. Joseph’s Parish in Millbrook on Sunday, the community gathered to bid farewell to Sr. Martha Vu, the last Franciscan Missionary of Mary serving at the Archdiocese of New York’s Cardinal Hayes Home for Children.

After a period of discernment, it became clear that due to the general nationwide lack of vocations to the religious life, the sisters would need to conclude their ministry at the home that provides residential care and treatment for young people who are developmentally disabled.

The order has been serving at the home since 1941. For the last 83 years they have faithfully lived out the mission of their order by serving those most in need in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.

The Mass was attended by residents of Millbrook, the staff of Cardinal Hayes Home, and many sisters who travelled from the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary’s motherhouse in Rhode Island.

We spoke with the guest of honor, Sr. Martha Vu, a native of Vietnam, and asked her how it feels to be leaving Millbrook and the Cardinal Hayes Home after 16 years.

See our full report in the video above.