On Saturday, February 2, 2013, the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge celebrated Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Raleigh to recognize the World Day for Consecrated Life and to honor two vowed women religious in our Diocese: Sister Maxine Tancraitor, CDP, and Sister Judy Hallock, CSC. Sister Maxine marked 65 years of vowed service, Sister Judy 50.
Concelebrating with Bishop Burbidge were Msgr. David Brockman, Vicar General of the Diocese; Fr. Don Maloney, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish; and Fr. Mark Reamer, OFM, Pastor of the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi in Raleigh.
Observing the Feast of the Presentation, the congregation entered the church with lit candles. “Candles are blessed today,” the Bishop said in his homily, “and we are reminded of the call we all share, in and through our Baptism, to carry the Light of Christ to all the places the Lord sends us.”
Referring to the jubilarians and to all those in consecrated life, the Bishop called them “credible witnesses to the Truth that the Light of Christ has dispelled the power of darkness in our midst.”
Following the homily, the jubilarians came forward for a Renewal of Commitment and a special blessing from the Bishop.
At the end of Mass, Sr. Judy offered a Reflection on consecrated life. “A jubilee,” she said, “is a time of gratitude, of remembering, of reflecting on the God-life within that has grown and deepened, of pondering the challenges that have been overcome and lessons learned, the relationships that have accompanied us on this awesome journey.”
A reception in the Fallon Center for the jubilarians and all in attendance followed Mass.
Learn more about the jubilarians
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Read Bishop Burbidge’s homily
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Above: Faithful gathered prior to Mass of World Day for Consecrated Life held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Raleigh.
Below: Bishop Burbidge with Sister Maxine Tancraitor, CDP, and Sister Judy Hallock, CSC, following Mass recognizing their combined 115 years of vowed service.
