Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Community Director Sister Natalie Binversie congratulations our Sister Jubilarians celebrating 75 years of consecrated life.
Good morning to each of you on this Third Sunday of Easter! Special congratulations to Sister Cabrini, Sister Carol, Sister Daniel and Sister Malachy as we celebrate with you your 75 years of Religious Profession! In the words of the Entrance Antiphon for Mass this afternoon we begin with this Psalm phrase, “Let all the earth cry out to God with joy; praise the glory of His name; proclaim His glorious praise, Alleluia!” (Psalm 65:1-2) This is what we celebrate today! We thank God for the witness of the commitment of your life, vowed to God in service of His Church, as a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity.
We remember today those Sisters who journeyed over the years with you under the title of “Our Lady of Peace” and are now enjoying their eternal reward: Sister Ruth Meyer (1984), Sister Elizabeth Linders (1986), Sister Andrea Kelbel (1989), Sister Mary John Hartmann (1991), Sister Anne Kennedy (1993), Sister Thaddeus Stratman (1997), Sister Thomas More Bertels (2000), Sister Germaine Hubert (2004), Sister Barbara Hadbavny (2006), Sister Philip Neri Hempton (2009), Sister Mary Thomas Aldridge (2010), Sister Roque Essert (2012), Sister Magdalen Sipple (2015), and Sister Teresa Luietkenhaus (2015). Eternal rest grant unto these Sisters, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them, may they rest in peace. AMEN! We ask them to continue to intercede for the needs of the Congregation especially for the intentions of perseverance for each of us and for Vocations to continue our ministries in the Church.
In the Scripture readings for today’s Mass we will hear some of the reactions and responses to the Resurrection of Jesus. We are no different from these early Disciples of Jesus. We can look to our Jubilarians to recognize how they have come to know Jesus over the years. They heard God’s call and responded with their yes. Each day they chose to journey with Jesus. I would venture to say some days they were unaware and other days their eyes were opened and they recognized Him in the people they lived with, in the people they ministered with and served for their hearts were burning within them knowing that Jesus was with them.
Pope Francis continues to challenge us to open our eyes and hearts to recognize Jesus in all, especially in the poor. The Jubilarians have done that. They have identified four places to help people in need. Donations in the name of the Jubilarian have been sent to The Crossing and St. Vincent DePaul in Manitowoc, to St. Francis Xavier School in Petoskey, Michigan and St. Joseph Hillside Villa in West Point, Nebraska.
As we continue our celebration today, may our eyes and hearts be open to the presence of Jesus in the joy of this day. Sister Cabrini, Sister Carol, Sister Malachy and Sister Daniel enjoy the day with family, friends and your Sisters in Community. May God continue to bless you!
