By Ruby Thomas, Record Staff Writer
The Archdiocese of Louisville celebrated the World Day of Consecrated Life Feb. 7 at a special Mass held at St. Gabriel Church, 5505 Bardstown Road.
The liturgy was celebrated only a few days after the conclusion of the Year of Consecrated Life, which ended Feb. 2. Pope Francis called for the year as a way of taking special notice and giving thanks for all that members of religious orders have given to the church.
Fifty-three women and men religious — celebrating jubilees of 25, 50, 60, 70, 75, 80 and 85 years of religious life — were recognized at the liturgy celebrated by Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz. Among the honorees were two Sisters of Loretto who have served in religious life for eight-plus decades. Sister Rosalie Marie Phillips is celebrating her 85th anniversary this year and Sister Angeles Caron is celebrating 80 years.
Archbishop Kurtz told the jubilarians that it was an honor to celebrate a Mass thanking God for their vocation.
“I’m sure that today you are bringing with you all the memories and commitment you’ve made over the years,” he said. “Think of how those commitments have filled up this church over time.”
One thing is for sure, the archbishop noted, “The people of God appreciate the gift of your vocation and the gift of your commitment.”
What calls the world’s attention to consecrated life, Archbishop Kurtz said, is the desire of men and women religious to do God’s will and allow the grace of God to work through them. It’s by that grace that “you are willing to stand up and renew vows you took decades ago,” he told the jubilarians.
It’s also through God’s grace, the archbishop said, that religious men and women are able to touch the lives of many.
“We pray that your good example will pass on that gift of consecrated life, which is so needed by the church and the world,” said Archbishop Kurtz.
During the liturgy, men and women religious renewed the vows they made decades ago.
Following Mass, the jubilarians were treated to a reception in St. Gabriel School’s gymnasium.
The following list of jubilarians includes those who responded to the Archdiocese of Louisville’s invitation to be recognized at the Mass. Invitations were sent to all women and men religious celebrating jubilees.
85 years
Sister Rosalie Marie Phillips, S.L.
80 years
Sister Angeles Caron, S.L.
75 years
Sister Julia Clare Fontaine, S.C.N.
Sister Virginia Ann Driscoll, S.L.
Sister Dorothy Frankrone, O.S.U.
Sister Celeste Reedy, S.C.N.
Brother James Smith, C.F.X.
Sister Theresa Louise Wiseman, S.L.
70 years
Sister Mary Brendan Conlon, O.S.U.
Sister Evelina Pisaneschi, O.S.U.
Sister Mildred Mae Reuff, O.S.U.
Sister Marina Gibbons, O.P.
Sister Margaret Marie Hofstetter, O.P.
Sister Cecily Jones, S.L.
Sister Mary Francis Lottes, S.L.
Sister Patricia Jean Manion, S.L.
Sister Mary Esther Owens, O.P.
Brother Rodney Sulzer, C.F.X.
Sister Lois Zeis, S.L.
60 years
Sister Elizabeth Boone, S.C.N.
Sister Rose Marie de Jésus, L.S.P.
Sister Mary Assumpta Dwyer, S.C.N.
Brother Larry Eberhardt, O.F.M. Conv.
Sister Regina McCarthy, O.P.
Sister Rosella McCormick, O.S.U.
Sister Rose Ann Muller, O.S.U.
Sister Marie Jeanne Surette, O.P.
Sister Maria Visse, S.L.
Brother Peter Campbell, C.F.X.
Sister Sue Charmley, S.L.
Sister Mary James Corey, S.C.N.
Sister Elizabeth Croom, S.L.
Sister Marie Ego, S.L.
Sister Mary Foeckler, S.C.N.
Sister Marguerite Fowkes, S.C.N.
Sister, Kate Misbauer, S.L.
Sister Elaine Marie Prevallet, S.L.
Sister Mary Martha Staarman, O.S.U.
Sister Rose Sullivan, S.C.N.
Sister Michael Anthony Wilson, S.C.N.
Sister Patricia Ann Worley, S.C.N.
50 years
Sister Marie Becker, S.C.N.
Sister Elizabeth Blandford, S.C.N.
Sister Rhoda Kay Glunk, S.C.N.
Sister Rebecca Miles, S.C.N.
Sister Nang Thi Nguyen, O.P.
Father Francis Ralph, O.P.
Sister Paul of St. Elizabeth, L.S.P.
Sister Patricia Haley, S.C.N.
Father Conrad Sutter, O.F.M. Conv.
25 years
Sister Sharon Gray, S.C.N.
Sister Mary Angela Hicks, S.C.N.
Sister John Baptist of the Lamb of God, O.C.D.
