Archbishop praises Sisters at Golden Jubilee Mass

ARCHBISHOP Vincent Nichols was the principal celebrant and preacher at a special Mass of Thanksgiving for eight religious sisters celebrating the Golden Jubilee of their religious profession, held at St Chad's Cathedral, Birmingham, on Saturday, February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, writes Peter Jennings.
Bishop William Kenney, CP, and Canon Patrick Browne, Dean of St Chad's Cathedral, were among the concelebrants.
The eight sisters who made their religious profession in 1958 each carried a lighted candle as they processed into the cathedral during the entrance hymn. They were: Sister Mary Baldaro, Sister Ann Connolly, Sister Rita Cox, Sister Mary de Courcey, Sister Maura Keanveney, Sister Isabel Santiago, Sister Mary Sunniva and Sister Anne Vianney.
During his homily, Archbishop Nichols said: "As we recall the coming of the Lord into the Temple, so we reflect on His coming into our lives in this vocation to religious life. The jOy among us today is a sure sign of His presence. May it grow stronger, day by day."
The Archbishop of Birmingham concluded by encouraging the six golden jubilarians: "As we think about the future, we recall the words 'Do not be afraid'. Rather, we rededicate ourselves to the Lord, asking Mary to present us to Him, even as she presented the Lord in the Temple. She is our model and inspiration too."
After the prayers of the faithful the golden jubilarians stood together at the bottom of the sanctuary steps, and Archbishop Nichols invited them to commit themselves again to "the service of Jesus Christ, The Light of the World". They responded: "We continue to dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to serve you and the Church, and to spread the kingdom of Christ with love and zeal."
Before the blessing the archbishop greeted each of the golden jubilarians in turn and presented then with a special papal blessing from Benedict XVI. He then invited the congregation to join in a round of applause.