Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Community Director Sister Natalie Binversie shares her words to our Sisters celebrating 60 years of vowed commitment. Those honored today selected a group title emphasizing Mary as Queen when they were received as Novices into our Community.
Good morning and welcome to this breakfast celebration for our Sisters, “The Loving Daughters of Our Queen,” who are celebrating their 60th year of profession of Vows!
We ask God’s blessings upon Sister Angela, Sister Doris, Sister Greta, Sister Karen, Sister Lois, Sister Marella, Sister Maryl, Sister Miriam, Sister Rita Mae, Sister Rosangela, Sister Verna and Sister Virgine! I am sure you are joined in celebration and intercession by the Sisters who are members of your group who are now enjoying their eternal reward: Sister Clara Schuh (1995), Sister Mary Lina Schultheis (1998), Sister Dorelia Hagemann (2004) and Sister Johnice Borer (2005).
The readings for today’s Eucharistic Liturgy all have something to do with the theme of being called and responding to the invitation “to follow.” The reading from the Book of Kings tells of Elisha leaving everything to follow Elijah as his attendant. In the letter to the Galatians St. Paul reminds us of the call for freedom to serve one another in love, an important characteristic of Community Life and living out your title of being “Loving Daughters.” The Responsorial Psalm proclaims, “You are my inheritance, O Lord…. Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge…I bless the Lord who counsels me….My heart is glad and my soul rejoices….. You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in Your presence. Without You there is nothing; no joy can be complete until at last I sit by Your side.”
Each of you said with all your heart, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening; You have the words of everlasting life.” You followed the admonition of the Gospel from St. Luke to put your hands to the plow and not look back to see what was left behind. This Jubilee Year does enable us to look back, not to see what was left behind, but to see the blessings you celebrate as a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity. Enjoy today and continue to rejoice in the blessings of being with family, friends and your Sisters in Community! Congratulations and God bless each of you!
