Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan poses for a photo with religious jubilarians after Mass Feb. 5 in Holy Family Church.
SEWELL – Committing themselves “anew to serve the Church in the ministry entrusted” to them, nearly 80 of the Diocese’s religious were celebrated Feb. 5 at a Mass presided by Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan in Holy Family Church.
“Thank you each for the life you have lived in service to God, others and the community,” Bishop Sullivan said to the religious, many of them jubilarians marking 25, 50 or 60-plus years of service.
The religious honored included Sister Carol Adams, CSJP, Sister Maria DiRosa, FMIJ, and Sister Leonarda Pyryt, LSIC, all marking 60 years of ministry; Sister Janice Novak, FMIHM, Sister Linda Taber, IHM, and Sister Mary Antonia, SMI, celebrating 50 years; and Brother Thomas Osorio, OH, celebrating 25 years.
“Thank you for responding to God’s call,” Bishop Sullivan said in his address to the jubilarians, men and women “sent to make a difference in people’s lives. Thank you for your witness [in reflecting] the light of Christ in a terribly darkened world. Let your light continue to shine.”
After Mass, the celebration continued with a luncheon attended by numerous religious communities that serve in the Diocese, priests and grateful faithful. The festivities coincided with the weekend parishes celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life.
After 60 years teaching not only in South Jersey but in Italy and the Philippines, Sister Maria said she is “very happy to have given my life to the Lord.” Reflecting on her initial call, she remembered that “when the Lord looked upon me, I discerned that he wanted me to be his beloved. The joy is always with me.”
Speaking of his vocation, Brother Osorio, OH, said, “It’s all been a beautiful adventure, whether serving the young, elderly, poor or disabled. I’m grateful every day for the people I’ve met along the way.”
“Today’s a day to celebrate not only as a community, but as a church,” continued Brother Osorio, executive director of Saint John of God Community Services in Westville, which serves children and adults with special needs.
Brother Osorio said prayers are important to build vocations to religious life such as his Hospitaller Order, whose works “mean hope for people, especially those who need a reminder that God cares.”
Urging all to pray that hers and other religious communities receive “generous young people with “healthy hands,” Sister Maria said the willingness to accept God’s call begins within the home. “Vocations come within families; they need to pray together” in a spirit of faith, discernment and encouragement.
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