Witnessing to the Paschal Mystery

This year's diocesan celebration of the Sisters' jubilees takes place on the Octave of Easter. The jubilee's theme is "We celebrate in gratitude for God's faithfulness."

God's faithfulness was fully revealed in Christ. The Gospel for April 27 -- Lk 24:35-48 -- speaks of the call to be witnesses to the Messiah's suffering, death and resurrection.

This year's jubilarians have spent 25, 50, 60 and even 75 years, as witnesses to the risen Christ. They have gained insight into how Christ lives in the world today. We asked them how they have witnessed Christ's dying and rising. Below are some of their answers.

I witness Christ's dying and rising when I stand with the poor and help the voiceless speak. When I challenge injustice and speak God's love. When I listen to the Spirit. When I bless myself with the waters of baptism and promise once again to live the Gospel. Sr. Peg Gabik, 25th jubilarian

I see Christ's dying and rising in the way people face and overcome the challenges of life. Be it in a student struggling to learn, a parent striving for consistency in discipline, a spouse who remains faithful in spite of disillusion, a Sister who devotes her life to those who hold differing beliefs than her own, the driving force of love, of commitment, of desire for the good of others pro-claims the resurrection and redemption of the love of God. Sr. Myra Jean Sweigart, 25th jubilarian

I've seen broken families, sickly children, abandoned children, lonely elderly, needy teens, physical suffering: signs of Jesus on the cross. I've found concern, care, joy-filled visits, a good joke and laughter, a friendly chat, interest in persons: signs of resurrection. Sr. Loretta Beyer, 50th jubilarian

By telling others that Jesus always forgives us no matter how many times we fail if we tell Him we are sorry and we try to do better. Sr. Rita Ann Fish, 50th jubilarian

Vatican II has called us to renewal. Belonging to my religious community has involved setting aside many of the old ways of "being" and "doing" in favor of recognizing the signs of the times, moving graciously through the present reality to the place of religious life of the future. All of this involves sacrifice, dying to self and rising for others. Sr. Janice Funk, 50th jubilarian

By going to work in the nursing home, seeing the elderly in sickness and diminishing health. Sr. Gerald Lu Maye, 50th jubilarian

In a limping, but sincere way, I believe by the varied ministries in which I served and by not being fearful to take on a new task or challenge when the need was there. I have tried to do all in a spirit of trust and enthusiasm. Sr. Annice Mc Clure, 50th jubilarian

I've witnessed Christ's dying and rising in my own heartaches and joys and in those of others. Sr. Jean Phillipson, 50th jubilarian

I have witnessed God's dying by trying to die to self and face my crosses on a daily basis. I have also tried to establish a good relationship with others by accepting each person whom I encounter in a positive manner. Sr. Alanna Ring, 50th jubilarian

As faith grows in us through the years, I believe we become more aware of how the struggles and difficult events and relationships in our lives are really the dying of Jesus in us, and how, by God's power, like Christ, we rise again to new life after trying times. Sr. Lorna Zemke, 50th jubilarian

Dying to self by giving all to Him in my three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience gives me the freedom to rise with Him unattached to the things of this world, praising God for his goodness and love and responding to that love in service to others. Sr. Jessica Zwarra, 50th jubilarian

By trying to be a happy, loving and committed sister to the vocation to which God has called me. Also, trying to console and understand the suffering of mind and body in others, whether religious or lay. Sr. Anne Brochtrup, 60th jubilarian

My philosophy of life has always been to accept whatever God asks of me as being His Holy Will. In trying to accept each person and incident in my daily life, there are many occasions of dying to myself and rising again, picking up my cross with faith and trust. Sr. Maria Casetta, 60th jubilarian

Yes, I have witnessed Christ's dying and rising in my life when I had to undergo un-just treatment and rejection. But I was never alone even though I might have thought so. I began to realize in prayer that these set-backs helped me grow more in God's love and turn to Him in trust. Sr. Jean Heppler, 60th jubilarian

The world needs to acknowledge the presence among us. Jesus must be the focal point from which the church reaches out to all the world and all nations. Its leaders need to reaffirm the doctrines and adhere to the teaching of the church. We must listen and be compassionate toward those experiencing difficulties with the church's teaching. Sr. Mary Kevin Mitchka, 60th jubilarian

At age 42, I had a stroke as a result of a penicillin shot. My mother was there, too, to help me. God has given me the courage and strength to continue my teaching for 27 years. I've also had three deaths within a year's time: the murder of my niece, a nine month's hospitalization and death of another niece and my brother's death. Every day God, my family, Sisters, caregivers, others help me keep going and be happy. Sr. Janet Tess, 60th jubilarian

I witness Christ's dying and rising when I share in the pain of those grieving the loss of dear ones, health and other traumas that befall our brothers and sisters in Christ. Their faith sustains them and thus fortified, they rise with renewed strength. Sr. Geraldine Smurawa, 60th jubilarian

Jesus says: "Take up your cross and follow me." When I stumble, I look up to Him and He extends His loving hand. He beckons me onward in this journey of love until I am happy with Him in Heaven. Sr. Claude De Mario, 75th jubilarian