A Jubilee 75 Years In The Making

Sr. Mary Veronica of the Holy Face, O.P., recently celebrated 75 years of profession as a cloistered Dominican nun!

Sister Mary Veronica, herself

The celebration was so big it stretched over several days. Everything began on the evening of June 18, when we had a gift table for Sister.

Sister has always had a strong devotion to Our Lady of La Salette.

She received all kinds of unique and creative gifts, most handmade by the sisters.

Many of these she was able to give as gifts to her friends and relatives who attended the jubilee Mass the next day. Which was just perfect!

June 19 was the Mass itself, celebrated by Bishop Eduardo Nevares, auxiliary bishop of Phoenix AZ and a good friend of the community for many years. His concelebrants were Fr. Ian Bordenave, O.P., our chaplain, Fr. Denzil Vithanage, pastor of St Patrick’s parish here in Lufkin, and Fr. Ron Foshage, M.S., one of our confessors.

You can see a video Fr. Denzil made of the Jubilee Mass here!

Sr. Mary Veronica and Sr. Mary Margaret bringing up the gifts

Most of the community (with the priests and bishop) following Mass

On Saturday, June 24, we had our day of community celebration in honor of Sister’s jubilee.

Sister Mary Veronica greeted with her jubilee song, “Jubilate Deo”

The novitiate band: Sr. Maria Goretti on accordion, Sr. Mary Pauline on guitar, Sr. Marie Augustine playing the drums, MIchelle playing the cymbal, and Sr. Mary Christine on xylophone and bamboo.

It’s a soup pot! The novitiate also sang and danced to a fun song called, “We’re Swimming In The Same Soup” about getting along harmoniously–very appropriate for our multicultural and multiracial community!

Sr. Maria Cabrini shared some puns and jokes.

We never get tired of hearing Sr. Maria Goretti play the accordion!

After a talking meal and some time to rest, we returned in the afternoon for a treat and games.

Sr. Mary Jeremiah tries her luck!

To finish the day, we watched the movie “Hidden Figures” during evening recreation. This true story of Black women at NASA during the 1960s was inspiring and enjoyable. We finished it on Sunday evening. Then, we showed some old home movies on Monday night!

Whew! It’s been quite a time! But after all…how often does one celebrate her 75th jubilee? Here’s hoping you make it to your 80th–and even beyond!