“I always look forward to this celebration,” Bishop Edward Malesic said as he began the Mass marking the jubilees of vowed religious priests, brothers and sisters in the diocese. The event took place April 25 in Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Chapel at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe.
Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost, some of the jubilarian priests and Father Joe Mamich, diocesan vicar for clergy and religious, were among the concelebrants for the liturgy.
“I get a bit nostalgic at this event,” the bishop said, adding that “women religious especially encouraged and formed my vocation.”
(See photo gallery above.)
Those marking 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 50 and 25 years of religious life were honored at the celebration.
“We’re in our Upper Room, gathered with bread, wine and our Lord,” the bishop said. “Bishop Woost and I offer congratulations to all members of our religious communities who are celebrating their jubilees.”
He said they were celebrating three things: remembering the past, living the present with joy and looking forward to the future with hope.
“You said ‘yes’ to a particular charism that held a special place in your heart,” the bishop said.
He recalled talking with one religious sister who told him she thought she knew what her life would be as a nun. “But God ignored most of it,” she quipped.
“Did you ever imagine all you would do? All the twists and turns your life would take?” Bishop Malesic asked the jubiliarians.
He noted that religious life – a life in community – isn’t always easy. “Community is community and that brings challenges … Bishop Woost joins me in thanking you for your quiet sacrifice and your faith as men and women gathered and sent out on mission to share the news of the Risen Lord … You lived in and for the world, helping to bring unity, peace and joy. That witness is especially important today.”
Bishop Malesic also told the jubiliarians that as they celebrate today and with their communities, “I know you have a sense of peace. You mattered. You are important to your community, to God and to his Church.”
The jubilarians received a special, blessed bookmark as a thank-you for their service.
After Mass, the group posed for photos with the bishops and enjoyed lunch in the CPL’s Aula Room.