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Mass for Religious Jubilarians
Sacred Heart Cathedral
February 6, 2009
(Jeremiah 1:4-10; Ephesians 3: 14-19; Mark 10:28-31)

We are filled with gratitude today most especially as we offer this Eucharist and give thanks to the Lord our God for His abundant blessings. In a particularly joyful way we also join together in conveying profound thanks to our Jubilarians. They heard the call of the Lord our God to consecrate themselves entirely to Him. They responded with profound trust in the promise God made to Jeremiah and all those sent in His name, “Have no fear because I am with you.” It is so inspiring to look at our Jubilarians and to see 265 years of faithful service to our Lord and His Church! No wonder our hearts are filled with gratitude!

This past week, Sister Carol, others from the Diocese and I made a visit to the federal prison in Butner, where we had a chance to listen to the inmates. One gentleman shared a powerful comment. He said, “I have been in a number of prisons throughout the years in various states and with different conditions. However, one thing was consistent: Wherever I was, the Church was there for me.”

As we read the stories of our Jubilarians in our Diocesan magazine, we can only imagine the number of people who--- because of them--- can say, “The Church was there for me.” The Church was there in their roles as teachers and administrators, directors of faith formation and religious education, counselors and spiritual directors, and in their ministries at hospitals, refugee centers, soup kitchens, Catholic Parish Outreach centers and homes for abused women and children. We are blessed to represent all the people who have met the Sisters throughout the years and convey sincere thanks. As a Diocese, we also congratulate our Jubilarians and express appreciation for their presence and ministries in our midst. And with our Jubilarians we remember and pray for all those dear to them who have gone before us in faith: their beloved parents, family members and friends and all who encouraged their vocations; those outstanding Religious forever alive in their hearts and all who have supported them in love.

Today is also a special occasion for our Jubilarians to be renewed in consecrated love and in the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience which they have lived for so many years. Thus, it is helpful to remember two key elements of the Lord’s call to His disciples. To be with Him and to be sent forth. Intimacy with Christ is essential to consecration. Being with the Lord must precede and accompany all evangelizing activity and human service. This intimacy is essential because following Jesus, as today’s Gospel proclaims, involves the Cross and giving priority and precedence to Him over all other loves. Thus, we embrace the Lord as our Rock and Foundation. Then, we have courage and confidence as we are sent forth to preach the name, the Gospel, the love and compassion of the Supreme Consecrated One, Jesus Christ. Dear Jubilarians, thank you for your example which reminds all of us what sustains us in our vocations: intimacy with the Lord in Word and Sacrament; fidelity to prayer and trust in the protection of Mary, our Mother, our life, sweetness and hope.

“Wherever I have been, the Church has been there for me.” Sisters, think of how many people have and will say that because of you! In the name of all those people and all who gather today, I extend sincere congratulations, heartfelt thanks and assurances of prayers that you will be renewed in your intimacy with the Lord and with zeal as you continue your life of consecrated love and service within the Church and in the name of Jesus.

The words of Saint Paul in our Second Reading today are our sincere hope and prayer for you: “Sisters, may Christ dwell in your hearts through faith; that rooted and grounded in love, you may know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God now and forever.” Amen.