On Sunday October 25, 2015 The Brooklyn Diocese gathered religious communities and the lay faithful at St James Cathedral to celebrate Mass and “honor the roots” of religious life in Brooklyn/Queens.
All religious present renewed their vows after the moving homily by Bishop Paul Sanchez, Celebrant.
Seven religious communities were called out in particular for a blessing as being the pioneer communities to serve the Diocese. Each also received a candle with the community’s logo.
Visitation Monastery was one of the seven and holds the distinction as the first contemplative, cloistered, monastic Order in the Brooklyn Diocese. Founded here in 1855, it also happens to be Visitation’s 160th anniversary this year!
Representing the community at the Mass was the Superior Mother Susan Marie VHM and Sr. Mary Cecilia VHM.
The blessing which Bishop Sanchez prayed was “Eternal light of the world, the courageous men and women of these “pioneer” Religious Congregations, whom we honor here today, remind us of how much radiance can be emitted from the glow of a single, small candle. Their light, passed on through their numerous ministries, has guided and befriended countless members of the Church in Brooklyn and Queens.”
The congregation responded ” May the Light of Christ always be with them to surround them, strengthen them and watch over their lives of service to the Gospel of Jesus.”
The Tablet has a fine article about this day:
http://thetablet.org/local-religious-remember-their-roots-in-the-diocese/