WESTPORT—The annual Celebration of Consecrated Life was held at St. Luke Church, Westport, on May 15. Bishop Frank J. Caggiano was the main celebrant of the Mass , with ten other clergy concelebrating. Directly after Mass, a dinner was provided for 125 Religious, clergy and friends. During this time, Bishop Caggiano recognized Religious sisters and priests with special anniversaries. In total twenty-six women’s societies and congregations and thirteen men’s were represented.
“Religious women and men serve or have served the People of God here and abroad in many apostolates, including Catholic university, secondary and elementary education, parish religious education, nursing, mission work, social work, prison ministry, and hospital chaplaincy,” said Sister Nancy Strillacci, ASCJ, delegate for Religious for the Diocese of Bridgeport. “Just for the Jubilarians this year alone, they have given a total of 1,200 years of service. The diocese benefits from their works and also importantly by the prayer and example of individual Religious in their living of the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.”
Those living or serving in the diocese celebrating milestones were:
70 years of professed life: Srs. Theresa Curley, RSM; Margaret Mary Forsyth, SSND; Mary Georgeanne Pearson, SSND; M. Julianna Poole, SSND; and Mary Ann Tantalo, SSND.
60 years: Srs. Helen Mary Dolan, SSND; Maureen Francis Fleming, SSND; Ethel Howley, SSND; Ann Marie Keemon, CSFN; Dorothy Mary Kosarko, SSND; Mary Mendum, SSND; Mary Ilona Mensik, SSND; Catherine O’Connell, SSND; Mary Ann Socha, CMGT; and Julia Mary Van Rossem, SSND.
50 years: Revs. Michael J. Doody, SJ; Thomas J. Fitzpatrick, SJ; and Stefan Morawski, OFM, Conv,
25 years: Revs. Francis T. Hannefey, SJ; and Christopher Johnson, OCD.