By Mary Grieco
Catholic Herald Correspondent

Sisters honored at special jubilee Mass

LADYSMITH -- Sisters from throughout the Diocese of Superior gathered on May 1 to honor those among them who are observing jubilee years. They were recognized during a Mass celebrated by Bishop Raphael M. Fliss at the Servite Center for Life. A meeting of the Sisters' Council followed.

The bishop called forth Sr. Marian Schmit, CSJ, and Sr. Maryrose Theobald, SSSF, each of whom have dedicated half a century to religious life. Before their fellow sisters, they renewed their commitment to their vocation and professed anew their vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience.

The two other jubilarians were unable to attend because of poor health. They are Sr. Julia Layda, OSM, 60 years, and Sr. Dolores Lilla, FSPA, 50 years.

"Through God's help, my religious vows have enriched my life, and hopefully I have enriched others," said Theobald. "In any life, if you live your vows, God will give his help."

Theobald said her vocation has always been there, and she was particularly inspired by an aunt who entered religious life. "I have never looked back," she said. "I would do it again 20,000 times over."

Schmit decided she wanted to be a sister when she was about 12 years old. While preparing for confirmation, she was asked by her pastor to teach a prayer class to younger children. "I went to find out my assignment, and much to my surprise while I was standing there, the words just came out of my mouth, 'I want to be a sister,'" she remembered. "My mother had been praying that at least one of her children would have a (religious) vocation. What better influence than prayer."

If there is one bit of advice that Schmit would give to young people trying to discern their vocation it would be, "Listen to the Lord, and follow your heart.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2004