Archbishop celebrates the “genius of religious life” at Jubilee Mass

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