LifeSigns, July-Aug 2012 - Sisters of the Holy Cross
LifeSigns, July-Aug 2012 - Sisters of the Holy Cross
LifeSigns, July-Aug 2012 - Sisters of the Holy Cross
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Branches: <strong>Holy</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Around <strong>the</strong> World<br />
Jubilarians reminisce<br />
and rousingly celebrate<br />
RIGHT: Candles are lit<br />
by Sister Molli Gertrude<br />
Costa to commemorate<br />
<strong>the</strong> 23 deceased<br />
jubilarians who faithfully<br />
walked <strong>the</strong> path <strong>of</strong><br />
religious life and are now<br />
eternally united with<br />
Christ.<br />
Joy and excitement permeated <strong>the</strong><br />
atmosphere at Saint Mary’s as everyone<br />
entered into <strong>the</strong> celebrations <strong>of</strong> jubilee.<br />
Family members, sisters and guests<br />
rejoiced with <strong>the</strong> jubilarians in prayer,<br />
song, blessings and feasting. It also was<br />
a time <strong>of</strong> thanksgiving for <strong>the</strong> many<br />
years <strong>of</strong> dedicated service <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se<br />
religious women.<br />
Sister Michael Mary (Nolan) in her<br />
reflection at <strong>the</strong> liturgy contrasted <strong>the</strong><br />
world 50 years ago with today’s realities.<br />
“When we entered <strong>the</strong> congregation 50<br />
odd years ago, it was a different world<br />
and we were a different congregation,”<br />
she said.<br />
She explained that we are in a time<br />
when <strong>the</strong>re is a mixed acceptance <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> values <strong>of</strong> Vatican II, a meltdown<br />
<strong>of</strong> our present economy, a realization<br />
<strong>of</strong> diversity experienced in our<br />
international community and a new<br />
focus for congregational ministries.<br />
These thought-provoking<br />
observations brought a greater awareness<br />
and appreciation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> women whose<br />
lives reflect <strong>the</strong>ir willingness to move<br />
with <strong>the</strong> times and meet <strong>the</strong> needs <strong>of</strong><br />
God’s people today.¡<br />
ABOVE (l to r): Sister Sharlet<br />
Ann Wagner, Leadership Team<br />
member, joins silver jubilarians<br />
<strong>Sisters</strong> Molli Gertrude Costa,<br />
Michelle Toepp and Violet<br />
Rodrigues.<br />
<strong>LifeSigns</strong> ¡ july / august <strong>2012</strong><br />
RIGHT: The golden jubilarians<br />
ga<strong>the</strong>r before <strong>the</strong> liturgy. L to r:<br />
(standing) <strong>Sisters</strong> Mary Eleanor<br />
Sullivan, M. Carlita (Hammes),<br />
Joan Mader, Michael Mary<br />
(Nolan), Maria Cecilia Nesteriuk,<br />
Susan Kintzele; (seated) <strong>Sisters</strong><br />
M. Joyce (Troyer) and Mary Louise<br />
Gude<br />
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