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The Annual Diocesan Jubilee for Women Religious

The annual Diocesan Jubilee for Women Religious was held Oct. 19, 2019, celebrating sisters in all communities who serve or live within the Diocese of Owensboro. All the sisters honored this year were Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph.

The celebration was held at St. Martin Catholic Church outside Owensboro and sponsored by the Steering Committee of the Council of Religious. The Serra Club provided lunch for all the guests. Sister Ruth was able to get a few pictures of the reception. Here are some photos from the day.

Ursuline Sister Julia Head, a member of the Steering Committee of the Council of Religious, welcomes everyone to St. Martin Church. She noted that the six Ursuline Sisters being honored served a total of 315 years. “Isn’t it marvelous what God has done with these women?”
Many Ursuline Sisters were on hand to share in celebrating the jubilarians. From left are Sisters Susanne Bauer, Marie Carol Cecil, Barbara Jean Head, Alfreda Malone, Ruth Gehres, Ann Patrice Cecil, Francis Louise Johnson, Catherine Barber, Mary Henning, Sharon Sullivan and Amelia Stenger.
Joining the singing of the opening hymn “Here I Am Lord” are, from left, Ursuline Sisters Luisa Bickett, Ann McGrew, Emma Anne Munsterman, Marie Joseph Coomes and Teresa Riley.
Sister Jeannette Fennewald, right, a School Sister of Notre Dame and a member of the steering committee, is joined, from right, by Ursuline Sisters Julia Head, Nancy Murphy and Judith Nell Riney.
Ursuline Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger, a 60-year jubilarian, reads from 2nd Corinthians, “We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.”
Ursuline Sister Stephany Nelson led the singing during the service.
The Most Rev. William Medley, Bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro, prepares to share the Gospel of Matthew, 26:16-20, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” He said, “Women religious live lives of integrity, goodness and justice, and we celebrate that.” He had just returned from a trip to Italy, where he visited the sanctuary of Saint Angela Merici in Brescia. “I stood there and thought about the tens of thousands of women who trace their roots to that place,” he said.
Singing “The Summons” are, from left, Ursuline Sisters Marcella Schrant, Monica Seaton, Jacinta Powers, Paul Marie Greenwell, Margaret Ann Aull, Rosanne Spalding and Elaine Burke.
Joining in the singing, from left, are Ursuline Sisters Sharon Sullivan, Amelia Stenger, Rose Jean Powers, Vivian Bowles, Susan Mary Mudd, Helena Fischer and Pam Mueller.
Each of the jubilarians present received congratulations and a certificate from Bishop Medley. Here, Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger, celebrating 60 years, is congratulated by the bishop.
Bishop Medley congratulates Sister Clara Reid, who is celebrating 60 years. She and Bishop Medley grew up in Marion County, Ky. At right, Ursuline Sister Betsy Moyer prepares to give Sister Clara a gift.
Sister Mary McDermott, celebrating 40 years, receives thanks from Bishop Medley, as Sister Betsy, left and Sister Mary Celine Weidenbenner look on.
Sister Rebecca White, celebrating 40 years, receives her thanks from the bishop.
Sister Nancy Murphy, a member of the Steering Committee, recognizes Sister Marie Montgomery, who was unable to attend. Sister Marie is celebrating 75 years.
The jubilarians present join with Bishop Medley after the service. From left are Sisters Mary McDermott, Clara Reid, Cecelia Joseph Olinger, Rebecca White and Alicia Coomes.
Sister Mary, Sister Catherine and the Most Rev. William Medley enjoy their meal.
Sister Ann and Sister Luisa wait for their turn to go up in line.
Sister Vivian is all smiles!
Sister Betsy, Sister Monica and Sister Susan Mary pose perfectly for Sister Ruth!

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