On
April 16, 2015 the Redemptoristine Nuns celebrated the 50th Anniversary of
Profession of Sr. Lydia Lojo de la Cruz and Sr. Mary Anne Reed of the Sacred
Heart 65th Anniversary of Profession.
The Eucharist was concelebrated in the Chapel
of Lourdes Health Care Center in Wilton, CT where the two Sisters reside.
Fr.
Thomas Travers was our main celebrant and Fr. Tom “Martin’ Deely gave a homily
celebrating the consecrated lives of Sisters Lydia and Mary Anne. After the homily Sisters Lydia and Mary Anne renewed their vows. Fr. Francis Gargani represented Father
Provincial and said many kind words of appreciation on the behalf of the
Province. Fr Gene Grohe, also in attendance, let it be known that he himself will be
celebrating 70 years of Profession and 65 years of Ordination this year.
Some Carmelites with whom we share the monastery in
Beacon and other longtime friends joined us for the Mass and afterward at the
SSND Villa where all enjoyed a requested ‘Easter picnic’ lunch of rice and beans, hot
dogs and sauerkraut and all the trimmings plus chocolate cake and strawberry
ice cream. Because we were a small group,
it felt like a real family celebration.
Everyone enjoyed looking at the picture display of our Jubilarians
throughout the years which was setup in the dining room.
Even
though Sisters Mary Anne and Lydia are living at Lourdes and we are in the
monastery at Beacon with Sr. Paula temporarily in rehab at Wingate as her leg
mends, we are all still contemplatives united by the love of Christ the
Redeemer and come as we are to be continually transformed into a Living Memory
for the salvation of the world. This is a mystery
and the beauty of hidden grace in our lives.
As Sr. Mary Anne is fond of saying, “All is Gift.”
To that we all say, “Amen. And congratulations Sisters, thank you for your years of love and fidelity."
Photos courtesy
of Sr. Mary Jane Stefanik, OSsR
