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Jubilee Mass marks five sisters’ service to diocese

By KARA KOCZUR, Globe staff reporter
(Email Kara)

Bishop R. Walker Nickless celebrated a Mass of Jubilee April 18 at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City for five religious women serving the diocese.

“Thank you on behalf of the Diocese of Sioux City and myself to all of you for your commitment, witness and work here in the Diocese of Sioux City,” Bishop Nickless told the women.

Sisters Rosalie Erdmann, SLW, and Martha Glaser, OSF, celebrated 60 years of religious life; Sister Colane Recker, OSF, celebrated 50 years; and Sisters Mary Laila Lakshanathuparampil, OSS, and Eleonora Shirima, OSS, celebrated 25 years.

“What a wonderful example and witness in fidelity you’ve given,” Bishop Nickless added.

All the sisters have witnessed their love and commitment to Christ in various service professions. Sister Rosalie spent 28 years teaching at Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City and retired from that position in 2004.

Sister Martha worked as a food service director at hospitals and homes across the country. She’s also worked on retreats for the elderly and has been the retirement coordinator for her community for the past 28 years.

Sister Colane taught grade school throughout the diocese. She eventually became the Library Media Specialist at Gehlen Catholic High School in Le Mars and later at Heelan.

Sister Mary Laila has served as a nurse at various hospitals and dispensaries in India. In the Diocese of Sioux City she has worked at the Holy Spirit Retirement Home in Sioux City.

Sister Mary Eleonora has served as a kindergarten teacher and in pastoral care in various dioceses in Kenya. She currently works as a nursing assistant at St. Anthony Nursing Home in Carroll.

Noting that the religious women make a difference in the world in their work as teachers, administrators, catechists and health care workers, Bishop Nickless said the church, in her wisdom, allows religious to make a difference just in their witness to Christ by being consecrated women.

“As you live the beautiful virtues of poverty, chastity and obedience, people begin to wonder, ‘What is it about these women that they continue to do this? Why do they do this?’” he said. “You do make a difference and hopefully others are drawn to follow you because there’s something the world cannot give them and that’s joy and peace in a vocation.”

There are those who are firm and solid in their faith, the bishop said in his homily, but there are also those who are skeptical.

“We who believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, must witness our faith, our hope and our love in a joyful and attractive way,” Bishop Nickless said. “We must go out into the world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature created by God.”

He thanked the women for dedicating themselves to the Lord and asked that they proclaim the Gospel of Christ wherever they are.

The jubilarians and other sisters present from their communities also renewed their vows at the Mass.

Sister Rosalie gave a few words of reflection at the end of Mass on behalf of all the sisters.

“Where did the time go?” she asked. “I think when you’re having fun it goes fast.”

She struggled to find the words to describe celebrating 60 years as a religious sister.

“All I can say is, thank you God,” she said.

Sister Mary Laila said celebrating her jubilee with the bishop made her jubilee special.

“I’m so happy,” she said. “It made my happy day. My jubilee made me so happy.”

As far as the chance of future jubilees years down the road, Sister Laila was hesitant to make any predictions.

It’s all God’s will, she said.

Following Mass there was a reception for the jubilarians and their guests at the Cathedral.