Auxiliary Bishop Roger Gries told jubilarian members of religious orders serving in the Diocese of Cleveland that their vocation ?flows from the heart of God and blossoms.?
About two dozen sisters, brothers and priests attended a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Richard Lennon on June 18 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. The jubilarians, who are celebrating 25, 50, 60, 70 and 75 years of religious life, were honored at a lunch after the liturgy. Each received a token of appreciation from the diocese.
In his homily, Bishop Gries talked about the sacrifices and commitment made by those in vowed religious life. ?It?s never been about ?me? for our religious ? they inspire you and me ? their vocation was born of God and nurtured by our family of faith.? He said the Holy Father wants those in religious life ?to wake up the world with a different way of acting and living.?
As a member of the Benedictine order, Bishop Gries said he understands religious life, pointing out the virtues of courage, trust and sacrifice cannot be in short supply for those in religious life as they spread God?s word throughout the diocese.
?You have a commitment not to what, but to whom,? he said. ?You are challenged to bring the consolation of God and to share the joy that the Gospel brings ? the heart of the Gospel is the good news of a tender, loving God. Catholicism must be a joyful way of living, of being. The values of the Gospel are life-giving, even if they?re not always easy to live,? Bishop Gries said.
?You jubilarians are powerful disciples. The mission of all of us is to bring the consolation of God, to witness his mercy. The Holy Father tells us that where ever consecrated persons are, there must be joy.?
In remarks at the end of Mass, Bishop Lennon referenced the fact that the celebration traditionally takes place in April. Unfortunately, a spring snowstorm forced a delay, but the weather on June 18 was sunny and warm --
