Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Carolee Vanness shares about a special family gift given in honor of her fifty year anniversary of religious profession.
In preparation for Golden Jubilee, I wrote the invitations to my siblings and mentioned that I didn’t need any presents, but that their “presence” at the May 19th celebration was all that I would want. Well, they did try to honor my request. They put together an amazing Spiritual Bouquet along with a huge bouquet of flowers. Another surprise was they donated at the Shrine of our Lady of Champion to have a brick engraved for Sister Kathlyn and myself.
On Saturday, July 20th, twenty-four of us were able to attend the Mass, the dedication of the bricks placed on the path near the Mother of Mercy Hall, and the luncheon that followed. What a “present” to be able to celebrate together!
Another family event took place on Aug. 15th. In honor of our father, Earl Vanness, who walked from our home in Algoma to the Shrine in Champion on the Feast of the Assumption for many years; we had the annual family Walk to Mary. This year, I participated along with a brother, a sister, a sister-in-law, a niece, and a grandniece. We started out a 4:22 a.m. in the dark. At one point, we made a wrong turn. That added two miles to the journey so the total was 20 miles. The weather was perfect—not too hot nor too cold and the rain held off until later in the day. We arrived at the Shrine just in time for the 11:00 Mass where we gathered with the other members of our family who were able to attend. 
Following Mass, we joined the rosary procession and ended our time together with a picnic lunch. That day is also our Mother’s death anniversary. We were certain that Dad, Mom, and the Blessed Mother were with us in a special way as we as we celebrated Mary’s Assumption into heaven!
