Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM)

The jubilarians led the entrance procession with the cross, candles and banners made by RSHM as the choir sang the joyful strains of We Are Called. This was the perfect beginning of the celebration for these women of faith and courage whose mission in life has been to know and love God, to make God loved and known and to proclaim that Jesus Christ has come in order that all may have life.

Jubilarians of 2008

The EAP Jubilarians of 2008

During the asperges, the main celebrant, Father Michael Tyson, sprinkled the congregation with holy water while the song Water of Life was sung by Sister Ines Gizzarelli, the cantor for the liturgy. A very lively Alleluia was sung as all awaited the proclamation of the Gospel.

Sr. Eilish Wite Fr. Michael Tyson

Sr. Ines Gizzarelli

Images left to right: Sister Eilish White (jubilarian, 50 years) proclaiming the first reading, Sister Ines Gizzarelli (cantor) and Father Michael Tyson (main celebrant).

Sr. Ann Marino

Sister Ann Marino gave her reflections on the witness to hope and fidelity in the living of religious life and the many changes in our Church and our world since the first professions of each of the jubilarians. All were called to remember the homilies of Pope Benedict XVI at his recent visit to New York asking each person to center her life in Jesus Christ aided by the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Following this, Sister Rosamond Blanchet called forth each of the jubilarians by name to present her with a lighted candle, to remind her of her life in Christ Jesus, symbolizing her profession as a Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary.and inviting her to continue her life in love and the service of all knowing she has received the gift of God's light and love.

Sr. Rosamond Blanchet presenting a candle Sr. Margaret Wiener receiving lighted candle from Sister Rosamond Blanchet

Above photos: Sister Rosamond Blanchet with altar server Sister Mary Alice Young, and presenting a candle to Sister Margaret Wiener.(jubilarian, 60 years)

As the sisters received their candles, they stood facing the congregation:

Jubilarians with lighted candles

When all the jubilarians were assembled, they renewed their vows as they prayed:

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

For the glory of the Most Holy Trinity, to follow Jesus Christ our Savior, in imitation of Mary, faithful disciple of her Son, I renew my vows of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience, according to the Constitutions of the Institute of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, Immaculate Virgin, embracing fully its mission in the Church. I rely on God's fidelity and the support of my sisters, to be faitful to my commitment in this Institute.

Prior to the Presentation of Gifts, Sister Marcella Tyson, whose brother was the main celebrant, read the Prayers of the Faithful.

Presentation of the gifts Sr. Marcella Tyson

Photos left to right: Sister Marcella Tyson (jubilarian, 50 years) reading the Prayer of the Faithful, Sisters Richard Marie Beck (jubilarian, 50 years), Christian Murray (jubilarian, 50 years), and Angela Hearne (jubilarian, 75 years) during the Presentation of the Gifts.

Concelebrants

The concelebrants for the Eucharistic Liturgy were Monseignor Ronald Marczewski, Father Michael Tyson, OFM and Father John Quinn. The words of the consecration were sung beautifully and prayerfully by Father Michael Tyson.

During the reception of the Eucharist by the assembly the choir sang a 3-part community favorite hymn, Tota Pulchra Est, accompanied and directed by Sister Helene Louise Zimmerman.

Cherry tree

Follwing the closing hymn, all passed by a cherry tree blooming (it seemed) in honor of this occasion, as they headed for the further celebration in St. Joseph's Hall.

And the party began!

Party in St Joseph's

Family, friends, colleagues and guests of the jubilarians gathered for a festive celebration in St. Joseph's Hall during which there were toasts for the jubilarians who are:

75 years

Sr. Angela Hearne