Celebrating a Jubilee

     Yesterday I had the honor of celebrating Eucharist and preaching at the Golden Jubilee of a very good friend of mine who is a member of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg.  Her name is Sister Kathleen McCauley, and her celebration took place at Queen of Peace Chapel at Doran Hall on the grounds of the Seton Hill Sisters.  I was blessed to lead the celebration that she had planned with her Religious family and the McCauley clan.  As she said in her program booklet, "This day is celebrated with love and gratitude to God for the gift of my vocation, and for my parents, family, Community, and friends who have nurtured my call with their faith and love throughout these wonderful 50 years."

     There are seven other Sisters celebrating 50 years in the Community this year - Sisters Mary Elizabeth McCauley, Catherine Meinert, Donna Marie Leiden, Patricia Laffey, Judith Marie McKenna, Mary Jo Mutschler and Bernadette Manning.  Also, two 75th jubilees, three at 70, eight at 65, ten at 60, and one at 25 years.Just imagine the strength and power of Faith and Ministry summed up in those lives!  Awesome.  Our congratulations to them all.

     I spoke of Sister Kathleen's journey beginning when her parents brought her to the waters of baptism - her journey of a lifetime.  But then, at a moment of grace, she chose to enter into a specific pilgrimage that would lead her to a holy place and an encounter with the Divine.  I mentioned the great European Pilgrimage journey to the Shrine of Saint James in Spain, and the "camino de santiago".  As with those making that pilgrimage, so she was clothed with the mantle of the Community and accepted the badge or sign of "humility, simplicity and charity".  Each "mission" was a segment of the journey, rich in challenges and rich in blessings.  Her passport for the trip is marked with experiences and relationships that have been a source of blessing.

     But there is another dimension to the celebration.  She did not just trudge along, but often would allow the Spirit to lift her to heights beyond imagining, letting her soar as the eagles do in majesty and wonder.  Sister Kathleen is a person with that depth and with a keen appreciation of the giftedness of God.  And she shares that readily with those who call her friend.

     There was a hitch, though.  The Mass was set for 2:30 with a dinner to follow at 4:00.  I was getting ready to "leave early" for the "4:00 Mass" at about 2:25 when she called to see how close I was.  Needless to say, we did not begin until 3:10 - but everyone there was most patient and Sister was most forgiving.  I told her that I understand if she is hesitant to invite me for the 75th.

     It was a wonderful day of jubilee.