More than 300 people attended the Opening Mass for the Sisters’ 100th Anniversary in America, which was presided over by Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, on March 19, 2024 at St. Albert the Great Church.
During the Mass processional, a Sister carried a banner with the name and photo of one of the first 12 Sisters who arrived from Germany in 1924. Additionally, frames containing pictures of each Sister who ministered and died while in the United States were carried down the aisle.
In her opening remarks, Sr. Ellen said of the first 12 Sisters, “They were humble women leading simple lives of service to others. They were guided by faith and surely trusted that their future in America would unfold according to God’s plan. From those first 12, a community of Sisters would grow and flourish in America. If told, would they have believed that 100 years later, more than 300 people would gather to celebrate them and honor their legacy?”
Sr. Noela, Sr. Secilia, Sr. Irene, and General Assistant Sr. Tadea, our Sisters from Tanzania, were joined by the Holy Spirit Sisters from Tanzania and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Mombasa, Kenya, in a lively and beautiful procession for the presentation of the gifts.
General Superior Monika Edinger, who was visiting from Germany, offered words of gratitude to the Sisters and all those in attendance. “We are standing here on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. What a great gift! What a hope for our life. Let us continue to celebrate these gifts in our daily lives, together, hand-in-hand as a sign of peace for our world. Let us continue to live in trust.”
The 100th Anniversary Opening Mass can be viewed at: www.bit.ly/CSRcentennialmass