Did you know that two years ago on June 29, 2016, Pope Francis wrote an Apostolic Constitution on Women’s Contemplative Life, Vultum Dei Quaerere? Prepárate…
Pope Francis with Las Servidoras del Señor y de la Virgen de Matará
“Consecrated persons, by virtue of their consecration, ‘follow the Lord in a special way, in a prophetic way’. They are called to recognize the signs of God’s presence in daily life and wisely to discern the questions posed to us by God and the men and women of our time. The great challenge faced by consecrated persons is to persevere in seeking God “with the eyes of faith in a world which ignores his presence”, and to continue to offer that world Christ’s life of chastity, poverty and obedience as a credible and trustworthy sign, thus becoming “a living ‘exegesis’ of God’s word”. ~Pope Francis
(Apostolic Constitution Vultum Dei Quaerere on Women’s Contemplative Life, #2)
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost this Sunday, let us rejoice that the Lord has chosen us to follow Him and be configured to His Son, Jesus Christ. May the Holy Spirit touch all our hearts, purifying us and sanctifying us to become holy. Holy Spirit, come into our hearts and minds, inflame in us the fire of Your Love.
On Saturday, May 5, 2018, the West Valley Serra Club hosted a beautiful Religious Appreciation Dinner at the Diocesan Pastoral Center where we honored 22 Sisters celebrating Jubilee Anniversaries from 25 years up to 75 years of Religious Life!
Front left to front right: Sr. Gabby Marry, IBVM (60 years), Sr. Sandra DeMann, FSPA (50 years), Sr. Cecilia Warner, SSND (50 years), Sr. Kathleen Janiak, RSM (60 years), Sr. Lillian Lila, BVM (70 years), Sr. Ann Marley, SSND (60 years). Wow! 2nd row left to right: Sr. Betty Banja, SHS (25 years), Sr. Mary Brigid Burnham, OP (25 years), Sr. Mary Gertrude Blankenhagan, OP (25 years), Sr. Mary Jordan Hoover, OP (25 years), Sr. Mary Lynn Heiser, SSND (60 years), Sr. Elizabeth Carey, IBVM (70 years), Sr. Georgene Faust, SDS (75 years). Back, left to right: Sr. Margaret McBride, RSM (50 years), Sr. Maria Olivia Pacheco, SNDdeN (45 years), Sr. Linda Campbell, OSB (50 years). What a blessing you all are for the Diocese!
We had a such a lovely time together with the Serrans, our dear, supportive friends!
Sr. Georgene Faust, SDS (right) celebrates 75 years of Consecrated Life!
Sr. Gabrielle Marry, IBVM celebrates 60 years of Consecrated Life!
Sr. Mary Jordan Hoover, OP, Sr. Mary Brigid Burnham, OP and Sr. Mary Gertrude Blankenhagan, OP are classmates, celebrating 25 years since they professed their First Vows. Congratulations, Sisters!
Sr. Betty Banja, SHS (left) with Sr. Sophie, her former Postulant mistress.
Bishop Eduardo Nevares (right) in conversation with Josefina Camou, mother of Fr. Fernando Camou of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Avondale, AZ.
Sr. Raphael Quinn, IBVM smiles with delight as she enjoys the evening.
Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate, Sr. Mary Beata and Sr. Margery.
Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa from Kerala, India, left to right: Sr. Nidhi, Sr. Sheena & Sr. Tessy, who teach at St. Mary-Basha School in Chandler.
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Thursday, May 10, Sr. Rita, SHS and Sr. Rael, SHS, two Council members of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus came for visitation from war-torn South Sudan. They were welcomed by Bishop Thomas Olmsted, Fr. Robert Aliunzi and myself.
Left to right: Sr. Sophie Lado, SHS (local superior), Fr. Robert Aliunzi, A.J., Sr. Betty Banja, SHS, Sr. Rael, SHS and Sr. Rita, SHS.
On Saturday, May 12, there was a special Silver Jubilee Mass at St. James Parish in Glendale for the celebration of Sr. Betty Banja’s 25 Anniversary of Religious Vows and Fr. Benedict’s 25th Anniversary of Priesthood. Bishop Nevares celebrated the Mass, and there were many present for the great celebration Mass and reception. Sr. Betty Banja renewed her vows, Fr. Benedict shared his vocation story and Bishop Olmsted was present for the dinner celebration after Mass. It was glorious!
Fr. Benedict, AJ, Sister Betty Banja,SHS and Bishop Eduardo Nevares.
Left to right: Fr. Benedict, AJ, Sr. Rael, Sr. Betty, Sr. Rita, and Bishop Nevares.
What beautiful celebrations we had to celebrate Consecrated Life here in Phoenix!
With prayers, I am
Your Sister in Christ,
Sister Anthony Mary Diago, RSM
Director of the Office of Consecrated Life
Waking Up the World 