Religious Communities Celebrate Mission of Serving Others at Jubilee and Consecrated Life Mass

The religious communities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge have a variety of charisms and expressions of living their faith as a community. They came together to celebrate their common love for serving people at the Jubilee and Consecrated Life Mass at Ollie Steele Burden Manor Chapel in Baton Rouge.

The Mass was held in conjunction with the World Day for Consecrated Religious on Feb. 2. 

Bishop Michael G. Duca presided at the Jan. 30 liturgical celebration, during which Sister Abelette, MC, was recognized for 25 years of service.
Top right photo: Bishop Duca prays over Sister Abelette
Above Photo: Attendees at the Jubilee and Consecrated Life Mass sing the opening hymn. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic CommentatorSister Joan LaPlace, CSJ, welcomed attendees.

Following the reading of the Gospel (Mark 4:21-25), Sister Abelette held a candle as she recited a prayer renewing her commitment to consecrated life. Bishop Duca then prayed over the jubilarian.

The bishop said in his homily he found the first reading of the Mass (Heb.10:19-25) to be appropriate for this Jubilee Year of Hope. The passage states, “Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy.  We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works.”

At the time the Book of Hebrews was written, there were many unsettling things going on in the world, Bishop Duca shared. People believed that Jesus was coming back soon, as some people believe today. The bishop urged the attendees to consider how they rouse up one another with love and good works.

Sister Joan Laplace giving some closing remarks at the Mass.“The works of your communities have built the Diocese of Baton Rouge in tremendously impressive ways … the schools; as administrators of hospital systems; ministries of charity; the amazing work you have done in raising leaders needed in the church; priests, sisters, brothers -- all those who have come regenerating the church and building it up,” he said.

Not only are the religious living examples of hope in Jesus Christ, but they must bring hope to others, said the bishop.

Each stage of life brings responsibilities, sometimes more, sometimes less, but each has its gifts and beauty, according to the bishop. If they accept it, they can let go of focusing on the things they lost and enjoy the beauty of their lives.  And they should be thankful for the blessings of each day.

As Mass ended, the Jubilarians sang “Salve Regina” before the recessional hymn “Lord Grant Us to Know the Time.”
Bishop Duca with Sister Abelette (third from left) and her fellow Missionaries of Charity Sisters.