More than 70 men and women religious gathered for an Evening of Gratitude and Jubilee on Saturday (Oct. 24) at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in downtown Phoenix. The annual event, which celebrates the gift of religious life and honors religious who serve in the Diocese of Phoenix, is sponsored by the Serra Club and organized by Sr. Ginger Downey, OLVM, director of the diocesan Office of Religious Life.
This year’s event welcomed Sr. Catarina Joy, who made final vows this past July with the Nashville Dominicans. Sr. Sarah Rudolf, CJ, who works at the United Nations and resides in Canada, also made a special appearance.
After welcoming new religious who serve in the diocese, the gathering honored 15 jubilarians — religious men and women celebrating significant anniversaries — whose combined years of service total 805 years.
The evening ended with closing remarks and a blessing from Bishop John Dolan.
Jubilarians:
Sr. Mary Joanna Ruhland, RSM – 25 years of religious life
Sr. Isabel Mendez Conchos, BVM – 30 years of religious life
Sr. Ma. Emilie Basitas, OP – 30 years of religious life
Rev. Micah Muhlen, OFM – 35 years of religious life
Sr. Ginger Downey, OLVM – 40 years of religious life
Rev. Page Polk, OFM – 40 years of religious life
Sr. Merced Gumban, OP – 45 years of religious life
Sr. Terese Auer, OP – 50 years of religious life
Sr. Margaret Mary McBride, RSM – 55 years of religious life
Sr. M. Crispina, MC – 55 years of religious life
Sr. Mary Richardine Blue, RSM – 60 years of religious life
Rev. Jude Verley, OSC – 60 years of religious life
Sr. Barbara Jean Butler, OSF – 65 years of religious life
Sr. Dympna Anne Doran, CJ – 70 years of religious life
Sr. Marian Abing, SSSF – 70 years of religious life
Sr. Mary Thomas Fullem, CJ – 75 years of religious life
