By Nancy Collisson
Special to the Catholic Herald
Jubilarians honored by bishop at Mass
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Jubilee Sisters were feted at a Mass held at St. Francis de Sales Church in Spooner May 5. Pictured from left are jubilarians Sr. Bonnie Alho, OSM; Sr. Mary Frances Wanbaugh, OSM; and Sr. Joelle Mauer, SCSC. Behind them are Bishop Raphael M. Fliss and Sr. Eileen Lang, FSPA, chancellor of the Superior diocese and vicar for religious. (Photo by Nancy Collisson) |
SPOONER -- Five Sisters serving in the Diocese of Superior were honored for their 215 combined years of service to the church at a liturgy celebrated May 5 at St. Francis de Sales Church.
Three of the Sisters were in attendance at the jubilee Mass celebrated by Bishop Raphael M. Fliss. They included Servite Mary Frances Wanbaugh (60 years) of Ladysmith, Holy Cross Sr. Joelle Mauer (50 years) of Merrill, and Sr. Bonnie Alho (40 years) of Rice Lake. Two other jubilarians, Benedictine Sr. Sarah Voss (40 years) of Superior, and Carmelite Sr. Jane Winkler (25 years) of Hudson, were unable to attend.
In his homily, Fliss spoke of the unique calling that brought the Sisters into their religious orders, as well as the faith that keeps them there.
"Jesus calling us is no less than his calling to Peter," he said. "Each one of us is able to recall our personal invitation to follow him -- that internal stirring, inspiration of the spirit and true vocation to return that unconditional love.
"Peter had a great amount of faith, and this journey of faith began when Peter first heard Jesus say, 'Come, follow me.'"
As the sisters have followed, so have they served.
After having taught elementary school for 30 years and given 25 years in parish ministry, some of which was spent assisting Caribbean islanders who emigrated to the United States, Wanbaugh continues serving her community by visiting retired Sisters at the Servite motherhouse in Ladysmith.
For the past three years Mauer has worked as coordinator of senior Holy Cross Sisters at Bell Tower Residence and liturgist/musician at the residence chapel.
Alho has spent the last seven years serving as a pastoral associate at St. Joseph Parish in Rice Lake. She has also been the director of religious education at Cathedral High School in Superior and in Ladysmith.
Acknowledging their years of service Fliss said, "We are convinced that you are God's holy ones."
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2001