Over 100 people turned out for a special ecumenical Mass at St Chad’s Cathedral. on this Day for Religious, where religious sisters reaffirmed their vows and Jubilarians celebrated over 700 years’ worth of service.
Following an inspirational speech by Sr Dr Finbarr Coffey, Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley who thanked all the religious for their dedication and service to the Lord, and thanked God for the blessings he has shown to us.
Together, religious brothers and sisters renewed their commitment to the service of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
Fr Simon Bishop SJ, novice master, delivered the homily:
‘This year, the focus for the World Day of Consecrated Life is the contemplative life. In Pope Francis’ letter to the Contemplatives (Vultum Dei Quarere – Seeking the Face of God – 2016), he wrote:
‘“From the origins of the life of special consecration in the Church, men and women called by God and in love with him have devoted their lives exclusively to seeking his face, longing to find and contemplate God in the heart of the world.”
‘In today’s Gospel we were given the examples of Mary and Joseph, Simeon and Anna, with Jesus at their heart. Previous novice master Fr Patrick Purnell SJ spoke of consolation as: “being in the right place at the right time, doing the right things, in the right way.”
‘You couldn’t find a better description for the lives of Mary, Joseph, Simeon and Anna. How do they act? They receive the Child Jesus in their hands. They give thanks and they praise God. They are full of joy, they are wide awake, they are a community of faith who welcome the poor, literally, into their arms.’
Silver Jubilarians: Sr Mary Jane Maratti; Sr Lisa Therese Plathottam; Sr Beena Koodathinal – Daughters of St Francis De Sales
Golden Jubilarians: Sr Andrea Burrows RSJT; Sr Margaret Breen SP; Sr Kathleen Neenan SP; Sr anna O’Connor SP; Sr Margaret Walsh IJ; Sr Margaret Angela CSJD;
Diamond Jubilarians: Sr Vernoica Ross SP; Sr Mary Hanohoe SP; Sr Teresa Aspinall SP; Sr Teresa Moore SP; Sr Pamela Pope SP; Sr Juliana O’Sullivan SP
For more images see: https://www.flickr.com/photos/155145153@N08/46236925244/in/album-72157704887851911