Honoring religious jubilarians

For decades, thousands of men and women from scores of religious orders were the backbone of the church’s untiring efforts in education, health care and other vital ministries.

Those efforts continue today, more often staffed by lay men and women, but the work performed by the legion of their predecessors one, two or more generations ago has not been forgotten. Nor should it.

This is one of two issues of The Catholic New World each year when we celebrate the many men and women religious who have come from, or who have ministered in, the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The following pages are full of the names and stories of hundreds sisters, brothers and priests who for decades dedicated themselves to the physical, intellectual and spiritual growth of others. Each has a connection to the archdiocese, and each has labored near or far. Some have been missionaries in foreign lands; others served in perhaps less glamorous but necessary ministries.

Each deserves tribute.

Jubilarians range from a BVM sister marking 85 years in religious life, serving mostly as a teacher in several states to a Society of the Divine Word priest who spent three years as a prisoner of the Communist regime in China and a Christian Brother who, while celebrating 60 years in religious life, still ministers in Peru.

The men and women in this list are making jubilees of more than a half-century. An issue of The Catholic New World in October will list and honor those celebrating jubilees with 50 years and under.

In its issue of May 11, The Catholic New World will honor jubilarian priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago marking their 25th and 50th anniversaries of service.

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