Women religious look back over decades of service

Jubilarian members of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet recently gathered to celebrate 2,340 years of service to the Church and its people.

When the Sisters marking their 70th, 60th and 50th years in the order met at the Provincial House in Latham for a Jubilee Mass, The Evangelist took the occasion to invite some of them to reminisce.

"The Albany Diocese is marking its 150th anniversary this year," we said. "Tell us something about your life that was historic -- a famous person you met, a major event you witnessed or a tiny moment in time that enriched your vocation."

Their responses follow:

* SISTER RITA HABER, originally from St. Helen's Church in Schenectady, who was marking her golden jubilee: The 1993 celebration of the golden jubilee of my graduation from the College of Saint Rose was a major event in my life. The Sisters of St. Joseph at Saint Rose provided the inspiration for my religious vocation during my student days. What a joy to welcome my classmates -- some of whom I had not seen for 50 years -- to the campus where, for 39 years as a faculty member and administrator, I had been able to play a part in making Saint Rose a real force in the Diocese.

* SISTER MARY GABRIEL DELANEY, from St. Joseph's parish, Troy, celebrating her 70th: During a visit to Lourdes in the '60s, I was privileged to be part of a candlelight procession through the grounds of the shrine. Hundreds of pilgrims from all over the world honored Our Lady through song and prayer. Especially moving was the sight of a mother a babe in her arms and a small child at her side, keeping in step as we continued our way over the grassy slope.

* SISTER CHRISTINE JOSEPH YANONE, from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Schenectady, marking 60 years: When I was teaching first grade, I asked the young students near the end of religion class how the Gates of Heaven were opened. One of the boys stood up almost immediately, pointed proudly to the crucifix and said: "Him is the Key -- on the cross!" The awesomeness of that moment was multiplied many times when I toured the Vatican as a retirement gift from friends and parishioners.

* SISTER SCHOLASTICA GALBRAITH, from St. Augustine's parish in Troy, noting her 50th anniversary: During my formation period, my novice mistress made a profound impact on my life and how it should be lived. Simplicity and a deep trust in God were taught by example. After serving in many capacities, Sister Mary Seraphine Meaney returned to us from St. Louis and continued to inspire not only the young but also her contemporaries. She has exemplified in word and manner our charism of love of God and neighbor.

* SISTER MARGARET JOSEPH MADDEN, from St. Patrick's Church in Syracuse, celebrating her 70th: Bishop Hubbard was a very young priest when he was ordained bishop. He was so encouraging to all and willing to take on the burden of the Diocese. I have admired him throughout the years. He has kept up the idea of a street priest willing to work with young people and people in need. That is marvelous.

* SISTER JEANNE ANNE COLLIS, from St. Agnes in Utica, noting her 50th year: Major person -- Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, who enriched me most by his joyous disposition, which radiated God's presence, and by his passionate plea for his people to end apartheid. Major event -- Women religious were the first to obey the challenges of the Second Vatican Council. Implementing the challenges has made my life fuller and more alive.

* SISTER JANE TERESA MURPHY, from St. Mary's parish in Troy, marking her 60th: When the community accepted me 60 years ago, it was both a major event and a tiny moment that enriched my life. It was a tiny moment because it was just the beginning, but it was a major event because my whole life focused around that acceptance. I'd do it again in a minute!

* SISTER MARY ELISE HEICK, from St. John the Baptist, Syracuse, marking her 60th anniversary: When I entered the community in September, 1936, I hoped I would become a teacher, possibly English or history. In November, our class presented a musical to entertain the superiors who had come for a meeting. I sang in the performance. One of the music teachers spoke to the provincial, saying I should become a music teacher. That changed the entire thrust of my ministry.

(05-08-97)

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