2023 Jubilees in the West

On Saturday, June 3, 2023 the Chapel at St. Mary-on-the-Lake was filled to the brim with sisters, associates, family and friends to celebrate the combined 255 years of love and service of our four Sister Jubilarians in the Western Region.

Sister Monica Heeran, CSJP - 75 years

Sister Beth Taylor, CSJP - 60 years

Sister Aileen Trainor, CSJP - 60 years

Sister Tonia Wanecek - 60 years 

Friend of the Congregation Fr. Bill Heric presided at our Eucharistic celebration.  Sister Pauline Dibb, CSJP broke open the word beauttifully in her homily, celebrating the unique gifts of each sister. 

Truly this is a day of gratitude and joy. A day to celebrate four courageous women of Wisdom. We are familiar with the words used to describe a young child as “wise beyond her years”. Well today we celebrate the wisdom of years. ...

Each of the sisters we celebrate today express their creativity in unique ways. Aileen - through her healing humor, crocheting talent, making hats for cancer survivors and the poor, and her 10K or Biking prowess; Beth through her art and love of nature and walks; Monica through her Irish Dancings skill, her recitation of Irish rhyming tales and her .wise words offering sage guidance such as “if the shoe fits, wear it” And Tonia through her poetry and love of music -classically trained pianist & the in the art of kick-boxing. They are living proof that variety in poetry, prose, humor, music, sport and art forms of every kind all are part of the creative power of God.

(Click here to read the entire homily by Sister Pauline)

Associate Annie Welch, friend of the Congregation Diane Figaro, and Sister Chero Chuma led us in song.  Family and friends of the Jubilarians travelled from far and near--England, Ireland, Canada, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington.  Following the liturgy we enjoyed a delicious meal around the table.

Truly it was a delight and joy to celebrate these women of peace!