SALT Fall 2015 | Page 16

Golden Jubilarians BVM sisters who celebrated their golden jubilees on Aug. 2, 2015, at Mount Carmel, Dubuque, Iowa, are listed below. All entered the BVM congregation on July 31, 1965, and professed first vows on Feb. 2, 1968. During the celebration’s welcome, Second Vice President Kate Hendel, BVM notes that these eight women were separated at the beginning. Jubilarians Ann Marie, Karen, Kathleen, Margaret Mary and Loretta entered the BVM congregation at Guadalupe College novitiate, Los Gatos, Calif. Jubilarians Mira, Sarah and Teri entered at Mount Carmel, Dubuque. Kate continues: “Your unique gifts and these common aspirations provided the mix from which . . . your new life in community would be formed.” And now, as BVM Paulette Skiba reflects in her homily during the day’s liturgy, these jubilarians embrace the future and the unknown: “As dreams move into promises we must let go of some of our preconceptions and expectations . . . life does not follow a script.” Sarah Ann Braig, BVM professed final vows on Feb. 2, 1975. “I loved caring for the elderly in their homes, and being able to bring life to them,” she says. “The Biblical invitation to choose life has been very meaningful for me. Ours is a dedicated and committed life as BVMs.” Kathleen Marie Carr, BVM professed final vows on Feb. 2, 1974. “The BVMs I came to know through my education were down-to-earth women who were excellent teachers and showed great compassion, as well as a wonderful sense of humor,” Kathy reflects. “I have been blessed in community far beyond what I ever imagined.” Karen Mary Conover, BVM professed final vows on Oct. 30, 1976. “I treasure 16 | S A L T MAGAZINE Gathered in front of the Mount Carmel Motherhouse for their golden jubilee celebration are: (front row, l. to r.) Sarah Ann Braig, BVM; Karen Mary Conover, BVM; (back row, l. to r.) Margaret Mary Cosgrove, BVM; Mira Mosle, BVM; Teri Hadro, BVM; Anne Marie McKenna, BVM; and Kathleen Carr, BVM. the sense of ‘sisterhood’ which binds us together in the spirit of our Foundress Mary Frances Clarke,” she says. Her ministry as volunteer music director with the inmates at San Quentin State Prison is “humbling and uplifting,” adds Karen. “This is a unique experience of what it means to be ‘church’ with other believers, all of us needing God’s grace and forgiveness.” Margar