Growing up in Nigeria, Sister Florence (Flo) Anyabuonwu knew at an early age that religious life was what God called her to do. She joined a congregation directly after she graduated high school, and she remained with the community for 13 years.
Her desire to further her education led her to the United States. She pursued her bachelor's degree focused in Psychology and Sociology. She also served at a congregation in Kentucky for seven years before discerning to join the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange stood out to her because of their appreciation of culture and diversity. She finds the congregation to be inclusive and that was exactly what she was looking for.
Currently, Sister Flo is a Palliative Care Social Worker and Community Care Navigator at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, California. She works in palliative care, senior services, and strives to heal hearts within a bereavement group. Through the Illumination Foundation, she also facilitates a depression and anxiety group once a week with a group of women that are experiencing homelessness and facing health issues.
Through her service, she is gaining clinical hours and experience to receive certification in social work. Sister Flo is continuing her education and is working hard to earn a master's degree in social work.
Her love of God shines through her service, and her desire to draw people to God is clear.
"We're always asking ourselves, what more can we do to bring God's love? What more can we share, how can we diversify our gifts, how can we expand ourselves so that all can come in and celebrate and experience and encounter God with us?"
Her care for those in need aligns with the mission of Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange.
"Our mission is not separate from the mission of the Church and the mission of God. God is all about love, so we care for the dear neighbor and bring His love wherever we go and in whatever we do."
Sister Flo enjoys meeting new people, singing, making others happy, and being a good listener.
She is a kind person that strives to help people feel loved, and to remind people of God's love for them.
"We are an extension of God's love; we carry that light."
What a beautiful witness to God's love....her photo radiates love and kindness. God bless you, Sister Flo!
Just her smile alone could light up the whole world! Keep doing great work.