To recognize these men and women, Bishop Gregory Parkes celebrated the annual Religious Jubilee Mass at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle on November 16.

Sister Sherly Vazhappilly, F.S.S.E., Vicar for Religious for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, opened the Mass with a warm welcome to those in joining to honor the brothers, sisters, and priests from many religious communities celebrating milestone anniversaries of service. “In a very special way, I welcome our jubilarians,” Sister Vazhappilly shared. “Together (they) have offered more than 800 years of service in our diocese!”

The 14 jubilarians were recognized, including one celebrating 75 years of religious service. During the Mass, these religious-order priests and sisters were also able to renew their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

“My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, it has been said that where there are consecrated religious present there is joy. There is joy. Certainly, today is a day of great joy for us here in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, as we welcome our religious here today, and in a particular way, those who are celebrating special or milestone anniversaries,” said Bishop Gregory Parkes in his homily at the Mass. 

“You are the manifestation, instruments, and ambassadors of hope in our world today, which so desperately needs a reason to hope.”

As part of the celebration, each jubilarian was recognized by name and asked to stand so the congregation could join in recognizing their contribution to our larger faith community.

“I want to assure you of my prayers, and of course, ask for your continued prayers for me, for the priests of our diocese, for your sisters and brothers, and prayers for more abundant vocations to the priesthood, to the diaconate, and to consecrated life. Thank you so much for your example, for your witness, and for your hope,” concluded Bishop Parkes.

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

Celebrating 75 years  

Sr. Marcella Chouinard, SFCC

Celebrating 70 Years  

Sr. Margaret Harig, SND

Sr. Kathleen Stagnaro, OSF

Celebrating 65 Years  

Fr. Rene Barczak, OFM

Sr. Roberta Bailey, OSB

Sr. Therese Pierre, CSC

Sr. Mary Dolores, VHM

Celebrating 60 Years  

Fr. John Anglin, OFM

Sr. Ruth Loretta Mc Pherson, SSND

Celebrating 50 Years  

Fr. Jerome Massimino, OFM

Fr. John McDowell, OFM

Celebrating 25 Years  

Sr. Mary Dolores Urassa, CDNK

Sr. Antonia Kavishe, CDNK

Sr. Ogechi Offurum, HHCJ

To learn more about consecrated or religious life, please visit www.dosp.vocations.org, or contact Sister Vazhappilly at svazhappilly@dosp.org.

Our diocesan vocations promotion is supported in part through gifts to the annual Catholic Ministry Appeal. Visit www.dosp.org/catholicministryappeal/ to learn more about the ministries of our diocese.