Our Amazing Jubilarians

Last Sunday we celebrated the golden jubilee of four sisters at Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas. It was a beautiful celebration of four amazing women who in 1967, in the midst of Vietnam War protests, Beatlemania, race riots, and mini skirts, heard God's call and responded wholeheartedly. They were part of the generation of Baby Boomers who forged new trails and demanded new freedoms. They did not know what lay ahead, but they entrusted their lives to God, knowing he would not be outdone in generosity.

There were three other women who made their profession of vows that day, but were called home before they could celebrate this day. They surely celebrated with them in heaven.

In her homily, Sister Esther Fangman, our prioress, commented that we celebrate not so much their ministerial contributions which are many, but their 200 years of praying morning and evening for the People of God. Combined, that makes 146,000 times of public prayer over their 50 years, not counting their private prayer and lectio (scriptural prayer). All that praying has molded and shaped them into strong, contemplative women. They have searched for the fine pearl mentioned in the Gospel parable and gave "their entire lives to keep that precious pearl... That is worth celebrating."

These women have touched so many people's lives with their prayer and ministry in the Church. We are grateful for their perseverence and example. Congratulations, Sisters Anne Shepard, Sharon Hamsa, Rita Killackey, and Rose Marie Stallbaumer!



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