Mother's Silver Jubilee: Cherishing the Flame for 25 Years

The cover of the Mass booklet for Mother’s Silver Jubilee; artwork by Sr. Miriam Esther, CP

Earlier this month, we had the great joy of celebrating Mother John’ Mary’s 25th anniversary of Profession! Family and friends came from near and far to attend the Jubilee Mass and reception on September 10th.

The “theme” of the celebration was Cherish the Flame of His Love — because that is exactly what a Passionist Nun is called to do! It was a grace-filled time of giving thanks to God for the gift of Mother’s Passionist vocation, and for His faithfulness to her throughout the years.

At the end of the Mass, we invited our guests to join us for an official groundbreaking ceremony for the cloister walkways and Holy Family Wing. Pictures of that event will be posted next week — in the meantime, enjoy some photos from the Jubilee Mass and reception!

(Most photos are courtesy of Mel Howard — a few, marked in the captions, are courtesy of Elizabeth Wong Barnstead, Western KY Catholic)

---

Entrance Rites and Liturgy of the Word

Everyone enjoyed the violin prelude and postlude played by Sr. Cecilia Maria and Aspirant Holly!

Some of Mother John Mary’s family. L-R: Devon (uncle and godfather), Janet (aunt and godmother), Bill (father), Bernadine (mother), Patricia (sister); Mother’s nephew Abe can also be seen in the background, wearing the red shirt

It was a joy to welcome so many of our priest and deacon friends to the Mass!

L-R: Transitional Dcn Chris Kight (Master of Ceremonies), permanent Dcn Bruce Sullivan, Msgr. Paul Hudock, Fr. Jason Gries, Fr. David Wilton CPM, Fr. Richard Powers, Fr J Edward Bradley, Fr. Pat Reynolds (behind the Bishop), Bishop William F. Medley, Fr. Jeff Read, Fr. Mike Williams, Fr Corey Bruns, Fr Lou Caporiccio CPM

Fr. Jeff Read, Mother John Mary’s brother, was the main celebrant for the Mass. Mark Dixon and Nick Olley (novices with the Fathers of Mercy) did a masterful job as servers.

Mother’s cousin Anna Thompson read the First Reading from Isaiah

(photo credit: Elizabeth Wong Barnstead, Western KY Catholic)

Family and friends joined us from near and far!

Shawna Riggs, another of Mother’s cousins, read the Second Reading from 1 Peter

(photo credit: Elizabeth Wong Barnstead, Western KY Catholic)

Dwayne and Mike, our faithful daily Mass servers and devoted Oblates, served as expert ushers for this occasion

Deacon Bruce Sullivan, a community friend from the Archdiocese of Louisville, proclaimed the Gospel from Luke 10

Fr. Corey Bruns gave a meaningful (and at times humorous!) homily about the importance of choosing to dwell “in the Lord’s courts.” He also underlined the significance of a providential “coincidence” — the date of the Jubilee Mass was Mother’s 50th anniversary of Baptism!

A lighthearted moment during the homily

(photo credit: Elizabeth Wong Barnstead, Western KY Catholic)

Mother John Mary renews her five Passionist vows

(photo credit: Elizabeth Wong Barnstead, Western KY Catholic)

After the renewal of vows, the Sisters joined Mother in singing part of the Magnificat — Our Lady’s canticle of praise and thanksgiving to God

Liturgy of the Eucharist

For the Offertory procession, Mother was joined by Sr. Mary Agnes (who, as Superior, received her vows 25 years ago), as well as her parents and godparents

(photo credit: Elizabeth Wong Barnstead, Western KY Catholic)

Fr. Jeff receives the gifts from Mother and Sr. Mary Agnes

(photo credit: Elizabeth Wong Barnstead, Western KY Catholic)

Fr. Jeff and Dcn Bruce prepare the altar for the Holy Sacrifice

“This is My Body, which will be given up for you!”

A group of Oblates in attendance join in praying the Our Father

Mother receives her Sacramental Spouse from the hands of her priest-brother

The crowds gather in the back of chapel for the procession to the groundbreaking site … but we’ll have to leave you in suspense for photos of that event until next week!

Reception

A quick photo with Mom!

Two guests enjoy the slideshow prepared by Mother

Mother with all of her immediate family who were able to attend the Jubilee

Mother poses with her Aunt Celesta, Uncle Richard, and cousin Anna

Sisters Frances Marie and Maria Faustina enjoy a chat with Fr. Jeff

Time for a lunch break after all that excitement!

Guests of all ages were eager to greet Mother …

… although 3-week-old Clement definitely won the prize for youngest guest in attendance!

Aspirant Holly shares a conversation with little Johnny

Catching up with old friends from Helmings’ and reminiscing about the roof replacement

Kate Mims shares a photo with Mother

More extended family!

L-R: Uncle Fred, Aunt Martha, Todd, Shawna, Mother John Mary, Nerenxx, Noah, Craig

Greeting one of our Oblates

Family guests taking a break on the Retreat House patio

More family enjoying each other’s company

A NET alumni reunion — Mother reconnects with friends from her time with NET Ministries in the early 90s.

L-R: Charlotte Patros, Gerard Scheet, Melanie Pfeil, Mother John Mary, Fr. Aaron Brodeski, Msgr Paul Hudock

A very special guest: Sr. Leona Schlacter, OSB, was Mother’s first grade teacher and prepared her for First Holy Communion!

Thanks be to God for 25 years!

“How can I repay the LORD for His goodness to me? The cup of salvation I will raise; I will call on the LORD’s name. My vows to the LORD I will fulfill ...”

— Psalm 116:12-14