Each year our Jubilarians participate in a day of reflection as a sacred way to begin their Jubilee year. Due to COVID-19, the Jubilarians were not able to meet face-to-face this year, so the day took place virtually. As much as they missed being together in person, technology provided them the unique gift of being with Jubilarians from all corners of the Central Pacific Province. They shared with sisters whom they had not seen in a long time, or whom they met years ago at a School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) meeting or in Rome for their 25th Jubilee.
For four of the Jubilarians residing at Notre Dame of Elm Grove in Elm Grove, Wisconsin, it was the joy of greeting each other in the same house. Even though they are in the same building, due to COVID-19 they had been quarantined on different floors and it had been months since they had seen each other. They were set up with computers and iPads and with some assistance, they were able to connect with one another.
It was especially a delight when Sister Johnalyn Witkowski was able to see and greet her classmate Sister Theresa Palbicki. These two 70-year Jubilarians enjoyed the miracle of technology while they taught us, that no matter what age you are, it is never too late to learn and experience something new. Sister Johnalyn went home to God three weeks later, but up to her death she kept exclaiming that the Jubilee reflection day had been a pure gift.
Each year we honor and celebrate our sister Jubilarians. Jubilee is a special time to rejoice with our sisters as they celebrate 40, 50, 60, 70 or 75 years of faithful love and service to God through their vowed commitment
This Jubilee year of celebration and commemoration provides an opportunity for each Jubilarian to renew her vows and reflect on God’s boundless love. The occasion of Jubilee is also a time for all sisters of the province and international congregation to express gratitude to God and to our Jubilarian sisters for their faithful love.
The Jubilarians have had, or will have, the opportunity to celebrate in-person with a small group of friends and family at our different locations. On May 2, 2021, the Jubilarians at Sancta Maria in Ripa in St. Louis, celebrated with a mass and lunch in honor of their years of service. At Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wisconsin, the sisters gathered for mass and a meal on June 12 to recognize the Jubilarians. Then, on July 25 at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Mankato, Minnesota, sisters, friends and family will gather with the Jubilarians in appreciation of their years of ministry.
The Central Pacific Province celebrated their 2021 Jubilarians, virtually on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Watch the archived virtual event.