Redemptoristine Nuns celebrate 50th and 65th anniversaries of profession

On April 16 the Redemptoristine Nuns celebrated the 50th anniversary of profession of Sister Lydia Lojo de la Cruz and Sister Mary Anne Reed of the Sacred Heart’s 65th anniversary of profession. The Eucharist was concelebrated in the Chapel of Lourdes Health Care Center in Wilton, Conn., where the two Sisters reside.

Father Thomas Travers was our main celebrant, and Father Tom “Martin’ Deely gave a homily celebrating the consecrated lives of Sisters Lydia and Mary Anne. Father Francis Gargani represented Father Provincial and said many kind words of appreciation on the behalf of the Province.

Father Gene Grohe, also in attendance, let it be known that he will celebrate 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 set up in the dining room.

Even though Sisters Mary Anne and Lydia are living at Lourdes and we are in the monastery at Beacon with Sister 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 Sister 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 Sister Mary Jane Stefanik, OSsR