Sacred Stones, Sacred Stories

As we prepared for those celebrating their 60th jubilees of monastic profession this year, our archivist unearthed this wonderful photo of our novices in 1951. It’s remarkable how many familiar faces there are in this group (please click on the photo to enlarge).

Here are the numbers: Twenty-one novices stand on the steps to the front entry of the Clyde monastery in May 1951. Twelve of these young women later made monastic profession – many who are celebrating or just recently marked their 60th jubilee.

Six have since passed and many will recognize the remaining, those who have devoted their lives to a monastic calling to God and to the Eucharist: Sister Mary Jane Romero (front row, third from right); Sister Carmela Rall (front row, second from left); Sister Maryellen (front row, far right); Sister Bede (second row, second from left); Sister Pascaline Coff (second row, far right); and Sister Lucilla Scurlock (third row, second from right).

As our Sister Ruth Elaine recently remarked, “Even though there is much talk about the aging population of religious communities today, to have these wisdom figures in our community is truly a blessing. One of our ‘elders’ was visiting a newly founded community a few years ago and a young sister told her, ‘We wish we had some wisdom figures in our own community.’”

Today we honor seven jubilarians.  Sisters Maryellen Riley, Bede Luetkemeyer, Mary Jane Romero, Laurentia Doyle, Benita Luetkemeyer and Anita Valdez all celebrate their diamond or 60th Monastic Profession. Sister Cheryl Morehead celebrates her silver jubilee.

Since we are all in Clyde for our assembly, we will celebrate as one in our Adoration Chapel.  Following the banquet at the Lord’s table, we will share common table for a brunch and a day of great rejoicing.

Sisters Maryellen and Benita reside in our healthcare facility, Our Lady of Rickenbach, and work as they are able.  Sisters Bede, Mary Jane and Anita are sisters from our Tucson monastery where they serve the community in prayer, liturgy and sewing vestments.  Sisters Laurentia and Cheryl live in Clyde and serve in the altar bread department and in leadership and grounds maintenance, respectively.

Let us give thanks for these faithful women who have given their lives to God, and they have been a blessing to us, the church and the world for it.  We thank God for them and their fruitfulness!