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Bishop honors religious with Mass
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February 24, 2012CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Some 90 women religious participated in the Diocese of Corpus Christi’s observance of World Day of Consecrated Life on Feb. 4-5. There are 152 men and women religious in the diocese.
The observance began with a Spirituality Day on Feb. 4 at St. Pius X Parish Hall led by Father Tom Norris. It was an opportunity for those in consecrated life to reflect on their vocation. Father Norris’ topic was entitled “The Radical Choice of God in an Age of False Prophets.”
The following morning, Feb. 5, Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey celebrated Mass at Corpus Christi Cathedral, which was followed by reception in St. Joseph Hall where a number of religious celebrated jubilees.
Bishop Mulvey told the religious present that each one of theircongregations represented one of the “flowering aspects of the life of Jesus.” Some congregations are dedicated to prayer and contemplation; some to teaching the young; others to working in hospitals; and still others to walking among the poor.
“Religious life has that dimension of bringing to life all the dimensions of the ministry of Jesus Christi,” Bishop Mulvey said. “Christ’s mission was to reconcile us with God and also with one another.”
He told the religious present at the Mass that they were signs of hope for eternal life, for the dignity of human life which often is seen without value or meaning.
“Without faith we have no meaning, we have no hope. You point to eternal values not just human values. Your service is invaluable as you point to the eternal values,” Bishop Mulvey said.
The bishop thanked all those in consecrated life for their “witness to Christ in our diocese.”
Among those celebrating jubilees was Sister Monica de la Rosa, IWBS who celebrated 60 years of service. Sister Begona Divinagracia, OP and Sister Angela Murdaugh, FSM observed their golden jubilee of 50 years. Commemorating 40 years in religious life were Sister Lou Ella Hickman, IWBS; Sister Claudia Ongpin, OP; and Sister Elizabeth Pathiparambil, SABS. Sister Alicia Maria Garcia, PCI; Sister Mary Louise Mount, IWBS; and Sister Jo Ann Saenz, IWBS marked their silver jubilee of 25 years. Not all jubilarians attended.