By Christina Gray
Men and women called to religious life are “the true philosophers…our noble sages, the truly wise ones pointing us to the path to peace for which our hearts long,” Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone proclaimed in his homily Sept. 19 at a Mass celebrating the jubilees of local priests, brothers, sisters and nuns.
The annual Mass for Consecrated Life was held at St. Pius Church in Redwood City. Concelebrating the Mass with Archbishop Cordileone was St. Pius pastor, Father Thomas Martin, and parochial vicar, Father Maurice Igboerika.
This year’s Mass honored 37 jubiliarians who celebrated the anniversary of their professed final vows of 25, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 75-years. Collectively, the group of 31 women and four men represent 2,135 members of religious orders in the Archdiocese.
Archbishop Cordileone said the “genius of religious life” in the church is that the virtues of purity, selflessness, gentleness, sincerity, consistency and good works are a “model for all of the faithful.”
“We could say that religious life is a visible sign of that spiritual childhood to which all Christians are called,” the archbishop said. “Like a child, the religious goes to the Father empty-handed, trusting that the Father will bring about an abundance of His life.”
Fifteen women religious jubilarians renewed their vows in front of the congregation. The renewal in part, read: “I seek to consecrate myself to you and to live the Gospel; by my Vow of Poverty, living simply and communally and respecting the gifts of creation; by my Vow of Chastity, witnessing to your love in my life and with a heart as wide as the world; by my Vow of Obedience, living with a listening heart to your presence in my life as I seek to respond to the needs of people in our world, especially those living in poverty.”
The assembled responded in part, with a blessing:
“We promise you our ongoing prayers and support. May your days continue to be filled with the joy of a faithful “yes” and the peace of our loving God.”
2021 Jubilarians
25 Years
Father Plinio Martins, SJ
Sister John Elise Tan, LSP
40 Years
Sister Mary Kay Hunyady, RSCJ
Sister Sylvia Llerena, PBVM
Father Tom West, OFM
50 Years
Sister Olga Cristobal, RGS
Sister Pat Farrell, OP
Sister Suzanne Lasseigne RSCJ
Father Gerdenio Manuel. SJ
Sister Lisa Ann Martinez, OP
Sister Patricia Rayburn, OFM
60 Years
Sister Patricia Bruno, OP
Sister Carolyn Buhs, SNDdeN
Brother Douglas Draper, SJ
Sister William Eileen Dunn, DC
Father Joseph Fessio, SJ
Sister Bernie Garcia, SNDdeN
Sister Raya Hanlon. OP
Sister Patsy Harney, RSM
Mother Rosa Marie, OCD
Sister Francine McCarthy, OP
Sister Nancy O’Shea, SNDdeN
Father Edward Reese, SJ
Sister Diane Smith, OP
Sister Gervaise Valpey, OP
Sister Susan Vickers, RSM
Sister Deborah Watson, RSM
Sister Aaronn Winkelman, OP
70 Years
Sister Carol Baetz, RSM
Sister Karen Marie Franks, OP
Sister Teresa Gormally, PBVM
Sister Mary Laxague, SNDdeN
Sister Susannah Malarkey, OP
Sister Rosmary Roney, RSCJ
75 Years
Sister Ruth Ella, SNDdeN
Sister Nancy Ghio, RSCJ
Sister Anita Iddings, RSM
