Celebrating Our 2021 Jubilarians
In observance of pandemic safety protocols, our Sisters welcomed a limited number of guests to Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa., on July 31, for the first of two celebrations honoring our 2021 Jubilarians.
Sisters Irene Novak (70th), Rosaria Shina (70th, Marguerite Stewart (70th) and Lorita Kristufek (60th) were joined by Sisters Jo Goolish (60th), Jeanne Marie Ulica (60th) and Gracy Kundukulam (25th), who missed out on celebrating in 2020 due to the pandemic. A celebratory Mass — celebrated by Most Rev. Alfred Schlert, bishop of the Diocese of Allentown, and Msgr. Robert Kozel and Father Patrick Lamb — included renewal of vows and was followed by a dinner reception.
A second celebration set for August 14 in Pittsburgh was sidelined by pandemic precautions, but Sisters Lorita and Gracy were able to host smaller gatherings that day in their home convents with clergy and a few guests. Scenes from all three events are featured below. Health concerns prevented Sister Marietta Bankos (75th) from joining the others, but she will mark the occasion privately in the near future.
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Sisters celebrating in Bethlehem on July 31 included (back row) Sisters Jeanne Marie Ulica, Jo Goolish, Gracy Kundukulam, Lorita Kristufek, (front row) Marguerite Stewart, Irene Novak and Rosaria Shina.
Clergy serving as celebrants gather before the Mass.
Sisters Lorita Kristufek and Gracy Kundukulam make their way into the chapel filled with masked Sisters and guests.
Sister Barbara DeStefano reads scripture.
Sister Jo Goolish processes from the chapel after the Mass.
As crossbearer, Sister Regina Ann Rokosny leads this year’s jubilarians into the chapel at Monocacy Manor.
Sisters Yolands Escamilla and Francine Garganta serve as candlebearers.
Sister Marie Therese Sherwood serves as cantor.
Sisters Gracy, Lorita, Jo and Jeanne Marie renew their vows.
Sisters Barbara Brown, Marie Therese Sherwood, Mary Martha Zammatore and (not pictured) Bonnie Marie Kleinschuster provided spiritual music.
Sisters Anne Kutch, Bonnie Marie Kleinschuster, Marie Bernadette Kelleher, Donna Pusch, Mary Martha Zammatore and Francine Garganta enjoy the dinner reception that followed the Jubilee Mass.
Sisters Jeanne Marie Ulica, Lorita Kristufek, Marian Sgriccia, Kathy Kudlac, Nancy Celaschi, Yolanda Escamilla, Hilda Marotta, Gracy Kundukulam and Jo Goolish wait for dinner to be served.
Sisters Jo, Jeanne Marie, Rosaria, Irene, Marguerite, Gracy and Lorita admire a special cake in their honor.
Sister Gracy Kundukulam offers Communion to Sisters Georgette Dublino and Elaine Hromulak during her private Jubilee celebration on August 14.
Guests and clergy gather at Little Flower House on August 14 for Sister Lorita’s private Jubilee celebration.
Musician and Mount Assisi Academy alum Patricia Moran plays during Sister Lorita’s private celebration at Little Flower House.
Sister Marguerite Stewart awaits the cutting of the celebratory cake.
Sister Lorita cuts a slice of cake for Patricia Moran.
Sister Lorita is flanked by Fathers Richard Zelik, John Bachkay, James Gaston and Michael Polosky.
Sister Gracy renews her vows before Father Donald Buchleitner and Sister Marian Sgriccia, provincial minister.
Sister Gracy (center) receives love and blessings from her San Damiano fraternity — (clockwise from lower left) Sisters Mary Lou Metro, Elaine Hromulak, Marian Sgriccia, Frances Marie Duncan and Georgette Dublino.
Sister Elaine leads those gathered at San Damiano Convent in a blessing before dinner.