Franciscan Sisters Celebrate 75 and 50 Years of Consecrated Life in Holy Year

Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Community Director Sister Natalie Binversie shares her comments at a June 1, 2025 breakfast honoring our Sisters celebrating 75 and 50 years of Consecrated Life. These Sisters were recognized for significant anniversaries of profession of vows: Sister Johanna Kalscheur (75 years) and Sister Maureen Anne Shepard (50 years) and Sister Elizabeth Ann Miller (50 years).

Good morning this 7^th Sunday after Easter, on which we are celebrating the transferred feast of the Ascension of the Lord! How appropriate that we continue to proclaim the Alleluias of the Easter Season, even though we will hear in the Gospel this afternoon that Jesus is leaving, to ascend to His Father! Jesus told his disciples and he tells us, that He would not leave us alone. He would go to the Father in order to send us the Holy Spirit.

With this wonderful news, today we celebrate the 75^th Diamond Jubilee of Sister Johanna Kalscheur! Sister is not able to be with us for breakfast this morning; however, she is here in our thoughts and prayers. Sister Johanna is being honored, along with her Crowd Members, who have completed their earthly journey: Sister Marie Teresa Kilawee (1997), Sister Jacquelyn Ebben (2006), Sister Sheila O’Connor (2008), Sister Juanita Wilson (2013), Sister Mary Eileen McGuigan (2013), Sister Aquin Van Arkel (2014), Sister Marietta Marmes (2015), Sister Carmen Rank (2016), Sister Roselani Gomes (2017), Sister Paulita Adrian (2020) and Sister Lucy Dorn (2024). May all the Franciscan Bards of Mary intercede for the needs of our Community.

We also celebrate and honor our Golden Jubilarians, recognizing their 50 years of living the Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. Congratulations, Sister Elizabeth Ann Miller and Sister Maureen Anne Shepard! From her eternal resting place, Sister Sarah Bertler (2016) intercedes for you! The whole Church celebrates with you, as Pilgrims of Hope! What joy there was when Pope Francis announced the Jubilee Year of Hope! Our Community will continue this theme for our General Chapter.

“Living the Gospel as Pilgrims of Hope” also reflects the theme of the Gospel for the Mass this afternoon. Jesus glorified God on earth by accomplishing the work that was given Him to do. Sister Elizabeth Ann and Sister Maureen Anne, Jesus called you over 50 years ago to live the life of a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity. As the Father sent Jesus, so Jesus sent you to proclaim the Gospel across the United States in your various Mission assignments. Thank you for giving God glory through your commitment of living the Consecrated life with us, your Sisters in Community. In the days and years ahead continue to be a Pilgrim of Hope to all whom you meet.

Congratulations as you celebrate with your Sisters, your family and your friends. May today be filled with great joy and peace, praising God for the gift of Consecrated Life and for His many blessings given to all of us!  God bless you.