“Today on behalf of the people of God, here in this beautiful diocese, I say thank you, thank you for your vocation. Thank you for your ministry, which you have so faithfully and selflessly given over the years,” said Bishop Parkes during his homily. “Thank you for the witness of your lives, which reminds us always of the love of Jesus Christ.”

Prior to the start of Mass, Sister Shirley Vazhappilly, F.S.S.E., welcomed the congregation. She was appointed to serve as the Vicar for Religious just a month earlier, on October 9th.

“I extend a warm welcome to all of you have come to the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle to honor the brothers, sisters, and priests from many religious communities who are celebrating milestone anniversaries of service,” said Sister Shirley.

During the Mass, the religious-order priests, and sisters had the opportunity to renew their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Bishop Parkes stated, “It is in the witness of our own joy, and fulfillment in our lives that will cause a young person today to embrace religious life, priesthood, or the diaconate. That we can find hope in the future, that we through our lives will continue to inspire young men and women to embrace that call that each of us has received.”

The following men and women were honored at the Religious Jubilee Mass.

Celebrating 70 Years

Sister Mary Grace Kloch, SSND, member of the Sisters of Notre Dame, entered the community in 1950 and professed final vows in 1959. She came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1985 and is currently retired.

Celebrating 65 Years

Sister Joan Carberry, OSF, member of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, entered the community in 1957 and professed final vows in 1959. She came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1988 and is currently assisting as Assistant Principal at St. Paul Catholic School.

Sister Kathleen Koch, OSF, member of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, entered the community in 1958 and professed final vows in 1965. She came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1998 and is currently retired.

Celebrating 60 Years

Sister Maureen Avril Chin, OSF, member of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, entered the community in 1962 and professed final vows in 1970. She came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 2016 and is currently retired.

Sister Nancy Christopher, OSF, member of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, entered the community in 1963 and professed final vows in 1968. She came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg from 1983-1983 and then returned in 1987. She is currently a spiritual director.

Sister Mary McNally, OOSF, member of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, entered the community in 1963 and professed final vows in 1970. She came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1970 and is currently Vice President of St. Anthony Hospital.

Sister Patricia Shirley, OSF, member of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, entered the community in 1962 and professed final vows in 1973. She came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1952 at the age of seven and graduated from St. Paul Catholic High School in 1962. She entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany that year and returned to the Diocese in 1986. Sr. Shirley is currently serving and volunteering on the BayCare Board, the boards of St. Joseph and St. Anthony Hospitals, and the board of St. Gianna Center.

Celebrating 50 Years

Reverend Ronald Gliatta, OFM, member of the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor, entered the community in 1973 and professed final vows in 1976. He came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 2019 and is currently retired.

Celebrating 40 Years

Reverend John Marino, OFM, member of the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor, Our Lady of Guadalupe Province, entered the community in 1983 and professed final vows in 1987. He came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 2007 and is currently assisting in various parishes on an as-needed basis.

Celebrating 25 Years

Reverend Theobald Weria, ALCP/OSS, a member of the community of Holy Spirit Fathers, entered the community in 1989 and professed final vows in 1997. He came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 2001 and is currently Parochial Vicar at St. Cecelia Parish in Clearwater.

Sister Eileen Dunbar, OSB, member of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, entered the community in 1996 and professed final vows in 2001. She came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1993 and is currently retired from Saint Leo University.

Sister Jean Abbott, OSB, member of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, entered the community in 1996 and professed final vows in 2001. She came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1996 and is currently the Community Treasure.

To view photos of the Religious Jubilee Mass, click on arrows below.