By Liz Sullivan
They have spent their lives in the service of God and of others.
On May 7, the Diocese of San Jose took a moment to honor the Religious of the Diocese at the Annual Celebration of Religious Life held at Leontyne Chapel at Bellarmine College Preparatory. The Mass highlighted those religious marking 25, 50, 60, 70 and 80 years of service.
Overall, members from seven orders of women and three orders of men were honored, although not all were able to be present. Bishop Patrick J. McGrath celebrated the Mass, assisted by Monsignor Francis Cilia and Deacon John Kerrigan.
“While our call to the vowed life is unique, we do not minister in isolation, but in collaboration with our Associates, co-workers, and the entire church,” said Sister Rosalie Pizzo, SND, Bishop’s Delegate to Religious Life.
Appropriately the Mass’ readings focused on love, gratitude, and service. Sister Judith Lynn Gardenhire, DC, who celebrating 50 years of religious life, gave the reflection.
“Love and gratitude both serve us well,” she said. “While preparing for this reflection I was sorting out my own memories while I was being chosen and called by God in 1966. I continue to say Yes to God. We are called never to say or do anything except in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is not about what we didn’t have, but a focus more on the privileges we have received. We have witnessed so many reasons to be grateful. Today we celebrate a reason for being chosen by a grateful and loving God.”
“Congratulations and thank you for your service to the Diocese of San Jose,” said the Bishop.
Women Religious
Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary
| Sister Miriam Malone, SNJM | 50 |
| Sister Kate Ondreyco, SNJM | 60 |
| Sister Patricia Cronin, SNJM | 60 |
| Sister Marion Mills, SNJM | 60 |
| Sister Mariam Daniel Fahey, SNJM | 70 |
| Sister Ruth Raftery, SNJM | 80 |
Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet
| Sister Noreen Driscoll, CSJ | 60 |
Poor Clare Colettine Nuns
| Sister Mary Annuntiata Stadler, PCC | 25 |
Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
| Sister Gemma Wilson, PBVM | 60 |
Discalced Nuns of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel
| Sister Andrea Vidich, OCD | 60 |
Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul
| Sister Adelaide Kulhanek, DC | 70 |
| Sister Mary Ruth Maher, DC | 70 |
| Sister Michele Randall, DC | 60 |
| Sister Marion Bill, DC | 50 |
| Sister Patricia Ann Powers, DC | 50 |
| Sister Catarina Chu, DC | 50 |
| Sister Paule Freeburg, DC | 50 |
| Sister Judith Lynn Gardenhire, DC | 50 |
| Sister Rosalinda Lobo, DC | 50 |
Men Religious
Society of Jesus
| Reverend Joseph Morris, SJ | 70 |
| Reverend Charles Phipps, SJ | 70 |
| Reverend Donald Cadden, SJ | 70 |
| Reverend Denis Collins, SJ | 60 |
| Reverend Joseph Specht, SJ | 60 |
| Reverend Paul Mariani, SJ | 25 |
| Reverend Thomas Schwartz, SJ | 25 |
Discalced Carmelite Friars
| Reverend Colm Stone, OCD | 60 |
Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers
| Reverend Phillip Sheerin, MM | 60 |
| Most Reverend J. Quinn Weitzel, MM | 60 |
Society of Mary – Marianists
| Reverend Daniel Triulzi, SM | 50 |
| Reverend Chris Conlon, SM | 50 |
| Brother Vince Wayer, SM | 60 |