Franciscan Sisters Celebrate 60th Anniversaries of Consecrated Life

On June 23, 2024 Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Community Director Sister Natalie Binversie shared remarks at breakfast for our Sisters celebrating sixty years of Consecrated Life. Sisters honored included: Sister Barabara Mathe, Sister Dolores Herrmann, Sister Helena Young, Sister Jane Kinate, Sister Karen Suhr, Sister Leonette Kochan and Sister Sheila Kasten. 

I greet you this morning with the Psalm Response for this afternoon’s Eucharistic Liturgy, “Give thanks to the Lord, His love is everlasting!” (Psalm 107:1) The fulfillment of this refrain has been, and continues to be, witnessed in the lives of the Servants of Mary who celebrate their 60^th Jubilee today!

Congratulations Sister Barbara Mathe, Sister Dolores Herrmann, Sister Helena Young, Sister Jane Kinate, Sister Karen Suhr, Sister Leonette Kochan and Sister Sheila Kasten as we celebrate with you the 60^th Anniversary of your Profession of Vows as a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity. We pause in remembrance of Sister Sharon Paul (2024) who is celebrating with you and interceding for you from her eternal resting place. PAUSE We thank God for each of you and for the witness you have given through your commitment in living the Consecrated Life.

The Scripture readings for today relay the message of the struggle and challenges that come into a person’s life. In the first reading, Our Lord addresses Job from out of the storm, telling him of the ways He has power over nature and is a protector. St. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians tells us that the love of Christ impels us to live for others as Jesus did for us, through belief in the Paschal Mystery. The Gospel of St. Mark recalls Jesus falling asleep in the boat while a huge storm is in progress. When Jesus was awakened, He commanded the wind and the sea to be quiet and still. The disciples were filled with great awe!  

Jubilarians, over the past 60 years, you figuratively crossed the sea of the world with Christ. At times, it possibly seemed that He was asleep, leaving you in the chaos of the unsettledness of life. Knowing your responsibility, you took each situation into your hands and worked hard to solve the problems. Jesus allowed you to act as you thought necessary.  When you realized that you were getting nowhere, you heard Him say that without Him, you could do nothing.

Yes, over those same 60 years you have experienced blessings beyond count! You have grown and deepened in your relationship with Christ. By intentionally living the meaning of the Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, you have helped to build the Kingdom of God. It is right that today, you are filled with awe at the Lord’s great love for you. We, your Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, give thanks to the Lord with you!

Thank you for your “YES”, well lived, and for being a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity. Enjoy the many blessings of today’s celebration with your Sisters, your family and your friends. God bless you!