Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Community Director Sister Natalie Binversie congratulates our Sisters celebrating 50 years of religious profession. Before their Reception as Novices, these Sisters chose the name Prophets of Peace as a title to model their Gospel lives.
Good morning and special congratulations to our Golden Jubilarians! We have gathered at this festive breakfast to celebrate the Prophets of Peace: Sister Ann Carla, Sister Annette, Sister Bernadette, Sister Charleen, Sister Donalise, Sister Jan, Sister Juden, Sister Kay, Sister Kathlyn, Sister Laura, Sister Marsaia and Sister Mary Kaye.
How appropriate your group title, Prophets of Peace, is for each of you, for the Congregation and for the whole world. A group title is chosen to unite individual endeavors toward a goal and strengthen bonds with one another through the years. 
According to the internet dictionary, a prophet is a person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the Will of God. Peace is a state of tranquility, quiet, calm. Peace is freedom from civil disturbance, freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. Peace is harmony in personal relationships.
Peace has been sought after from the beginning of time. This can be confirmed in the Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament.
We recall that when Jesus entered the upper room after the Resurrection He said, Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you. (John 20:19-31) In the first reading for the Mass this afternoon we hear from the Prophet Isaiah (55:10-11) his persuasion from God that peace is a reality. 
“So shall my Word be that goes forth from my mouth; my Word shall not return to me void, but shall do my Will achieving the end for which I sent it.
The Gospel Parable that will be proclaimed today is that of the Sower. We can liken the seeds of the Gospel to the Prophets of Peace and the many ways each of you carried out the Will of God through the various ministries in which you lived your vowed commitment and served God’s people in order to help build up the Kingdom of God.
God sent His Word of Peace to every person who met you through your witness as a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity. The fruit of your sowing is not for you. 
It was to make Jesus known so that relationships with Him would flourish and grow. St. Paul in the letter to the Romans adds confidence in the expectation and hope for peace to come.
May this day be a day of joy-filled celebration with your Sisters, family and friends. In the name of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, thank you for the 50 years of being a Prophet of Peace, an inspired teacher and proclaimer of God’s Will. 
May The Lord give you Peace! Have a wonderful day!
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