We completed our year long celebration of our Diamond Jubilee since our foundation on May 25th. But the festivities weren’t entirely over. On May 26th Bishop Stika joined us for a special Mass and meal, surprising us by bringing along His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia. As this fell shortly after Postulant Shannon entered our Novitiate with the name Sister Francis Clare and during a visit by our Aspirant Sarah, Bishop Stika took the occasion after Mass to tell “the newbies” a little about His Eminence’s long career as a Vatican diplomat and servant in the Church.
We share a few photos and thank all our Oblates, Lay Associates, member of the Confraternity of Mary, friends, benefactors, supporters, prayer warriors, and advisors who have made this last year one of gratitude and zeal for our mission in the Church to sanctify the priesthood. It doesn’t end now that May 25th has passed. It merely means a new chapter in our history begins…the next 75 years.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I give to Thy Sacred Heart, completely and absolutely without any condition, the Handmaids of the Precious Blood, and all the souls, past, present and future, that shall be permitted and entrusted to their care. – Father Gerald Fitzgerald, sP
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- Entering our 76th year of adoration and sacrifice for Christ in His Priests.
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- Special recreation on May 25th sharing stories from the past and remembering those pioneers who went before us.
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- Kitchen sisters quietly prepare a festive meal for the community and prelates.
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- No greater gift than the Mass to celebrate all that God has done for us.
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- A surprise guest came to concelebrate Mass: His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali
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- Gathering on the porch.
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- Some of the Formation Group strike a fun pose for the camera…or hide mostly behind a rock.
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- As Bishop Stika and His Eminence departed we gave them “the Fatima Wave” to thank them for the special visit.
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- After the Jubilee meal a rare talking at dishes allows for some laughter and levity as Sister Christiana demonstrates how to blow bubbles using a slotted spoon.
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- Everyone enjoys the bubble demo.