DETROIT — From teaching the next generation of Catholics in schools to ministering to the sick and homeless in hospitals and shelters, today's professed religious serve a vital function in the life of the Church.
But perhaps no function is more important than the selfless commitment each vowed religious makes to honor Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The “evangelical counsels,” or special vows each professed religious sister, brother and priest makes to practice poverty, chastity and obedience, guide the religious vocation and give life to the acts of selflessness with which they pour themselves out in the world.
On Saturday, May 18, Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron celebrated with 80 religious jubilarians in the Archdiocese of Detroit who are celebrating milestone anniversaries of their religious profession this year. The archbishop reminded them of their commitment to be faithful stewards of the Gospel — whether that commitment was 25, 50, 60, 70 or even 85 years ago.
For their sacrifices and love, the Church in the Archdiocese of Detroit gives thanks for the following religious brothers, sisters and priests as they mark a combined 4,935 years of service to our Lord:
85 years
Sr. Charlotte Walby, IHM
80 years
Sr. Mary Anita Niemiec, CSSF
Sr. Mary Fidelis Szymkowiak, CSSF
Sr. Mary Luiza Wawrzyniak, CSSF
75 years
Sr. Catherine Broughton, IHM
Sr. Patricia Cassidy, IHM
Sr. Alys Currier, IHM
Sr. Marguerite Gibbs, IHM
Sr. Mary Generose Kubesh, RSM
Sr. Marjorie McFarland, IHM
Sr. Antoinette McNamara, IHM
Sr. Remi Pauwels, IHM
Sr. Jane Przygocki, SJ
Sr. Mary Patricia Pyszynski, CSSF
Sr. Janet Sullivan, IHM
70 years
Sr. Eunice Beaudin, SSJ-TOSF
Sr. Margaret Canuelle, IHM
Bro. Robert Carnaghi, FSC
Sr. Therese Kearney, IHM
Sr. Mary Camille Kelley, RSM
Sr. Mary Martinez Rozek, CSSF
Sr. Grace Mary Olfs, IHM
Sr. Mary Louise Putrow, OP
Sr. Rita Mary Ruetz, RSM
Sr. Mary Serra Szalaszewicz, CSSF
Sr. Theresa Tenbusch, IHM
Sr. Nancy Thompson, RSM
Sr. Mary Eucharita Wisk, CSSF
Sr. Mary Lois Wozniak, RSM †
Sr. Mary Joel Zobro, RSM
65 years
Sr. Mary Cynthia Ann Machlik, CSSF
60 years
Sr. Sean Eileen Allgeyer, OP
Sr. Agnes Anderson, IHM
Sr. Yvonne Bechard, CSJ
Sr. Jean Booms, IHM
Sr. Helen Marie Burns, RSM
Sr. Angela Cerna-Plata, IHM
Fr. Keith Clark, OFM Cap.
Sr. Matilda Cutura, FDC
Sr. Delores DeBets, OP
Sr. Margaret Farley, RSM
Sr. Rosanne Marie Glaza, CSSF
Sr. Rose Graham, IHM
Sr. Marie Rachel Guevara, OP
Fr. Jeremy Harrington, OFM
Fr. Joseph Howe, OFM Cap.
Sr. Margaret Hughes, IHM
Sr. Nancy Marie Jamroz, CSSF
Sr. Anne Marie LaHaie, RSM
Sr. Patricia Lamb, RSM
Sr. June Martin, OP
Sr. Faye McFarlane, IHM
Sr. Angela Therese Meram, IHM
Sr. Mary Thomas Michalek, OP
Sr. Frances Mlocek, IHM
Sr. Lucinda Mroczek, SSJ-TOSF
Sr. Emilie Petelin, OP
Sr. Carol Quigley, IHM †
Sr. Nina Rodriguez, CSJ
Sr. Diane Rondeau, RSM
Sr. Marylyn Russ, IHM
Sr. Mary Alexanne Rutecki, CSSF
Sr. Arleen Marie Saroglia, RSM
Sr. Mary Joan Schimian, SMR
Sr. Nancy Lee Smith, IHM
Sr. Margaret Sweeney, IHM
Sr. Susan Van Baalen, OP
Sr. Vincent Louise Wilcox, DC
50 years
Sr. Veronica Blake, SMR
Sr. Victoria Marie Indyk, CSSF
Fr. Larry LaCross, OFM Cap.
Fr. Robert F. Schramm, OSFS
Sr. Linda Sevcik, SM
Sr. Mary de Porres Westrick, SND
25 years
Sr. Patricia Dearbaugh, IHM
Sr. Serafina Marie Dixon, CSSF
Fr. Peter J. Etzel, SJ
Fr. Alexander Kratz, OFM
Sr. Barbara G. Stanbridge, IHM
Sr. Michael Marie Schmidt, OP
Below are some photos from the special Mass celebrated May 18 at Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
