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

Photos: Diannie Chavez/CATHOLIC SUN