Women religious representing the many communities who serve in the Diocese of Owensboro gathered on Nov. 9, 2024, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Owensboro to honor their sisters who are celebrating jubilees of religious profession this year.

There were 11 sisters representing three communities who were honored, but only a portion of them — all Ursuline Sisters — were able to attend. Present to receive a certificate and gift from the Most Rev. William Medley, Bishop of Owensboro, were Ursuline Sisters Susan Mary Mudd and Mary Matthias Ward, both celebrating 70 years; and Ursuline Sisters Mary Timothy Bland, Karla Kaelin and Laurita Spalding, each celebrating 60 years.

Ursuline Sisters Joyce Marie Cecil, Joan Mary Riedley and Melissa Tipmore were unable to attend. Also unable to attend were Passionist Sisters Mary Therese Seitz (60 years) and Mary Veronica McKimmy (50 years), along with Carmelite Sister Maria Lucia Cazun (50 years).

The Steering Committee for the Council of Religious organizes the event each year. The date was moved later in the year to accommodate Bishop Medley, who has been in Africa visiting the families of some priests who serve in his diocese.

Bishop Medley spoke about obedience, saying the root word meant “listen.” He said the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of God have been in every mission the sisters were assigned to throughout their lives.

“How many times would we have to say, ‘thank you’ to pay the debt we owe to these sisters,” Bishop Medley said. “That will only be paid in full in another life.”

Following the service, the sisters were treated to lunch by the Serra Club.