February 2, 2025, was a special day for the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer for many reasons: Presentation of the Lord and blessings of candles, World Day for Consecrated Life, and the Bishop Paul J. Bradley's 20th Anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination.
CONSECRATED LIFE ..... A VOCATION and GIFT
Some say that Consecrated Life is a disappearing state of life because of the dramatic decline in the membership of many Religious Communities today. However, if anyone visited Divine Redeemer Motherhouse on February 2, 2025, he or she would think differently.
Three related events were celebrated on that day: The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple; World Day for Consecrated Life; and the 20th Anniversary of Bishop J. Bradley's Episcopal Ordination.
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
The feast of the Presentation commemorates the presentation that Mary and Joseph made of Jesus in the temple "to present Him to the Lord". (Lk 2:22) On that occation, Jesus was recognized by two elderly persons in the temple. Simeon and Anna recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah--the One Who would redeem us all, in obedience to His Father.
World Day for Consecrated Life
Throughout the ages, women and men have offered love and lives to God in a special way. Responding to a "call" from God and following the example of Jesus Who was poor, chaste, and obedient, Religious Sisters, Religious Brothers, and Religious Priests have professed these same virtues by vows. They have supported one another in community, and have served the people of God.
The World Day for Consecrated Life was established in 1997 by Pope John Paul II so that those called to Consecrated Life would "confirm the commitment of their consecrations ... and give witness ... that it is the Lord Who is the Love Who is able to fill the heart of the human person".
The festive day on February 2, 2025, began with the celebration of the Holy Mass at 8:00 a.m.
Before Mass began, the people were asked to recall a Sister, Brother, or Priest who made a positive difference in their lives ... who helped them ... for whom they are grateful, and to say a prayer for them.
In the past years, the Sisters planned a special Mass for the Sunday closest to this feast and invited those attending to join them for coffee/tea and donuts afterwards. The Sisters would also present a program related to Consecrated Life, such as a re-enactment of Jesus calling the apostles. The time spent with the people was always a wonderful time to get to know each other better.
For each Religious this day is a day "to give thanks for all God has done for them ... and for the gift of His love". The Sisters living at the Motherhouse (the American Region of the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer) renewed their vows publicly after homily. The Sisters renew their vows often, even daily, but quietly.
For each of the ten Sisters of the Divine Redeemer left in the American Region, the love, joy, and fulfillment they have experienced as Religious Sisters are signs that Religious Life is precious today, as it has been in the past.
On this occation a meaningful display in front of the Altar of Sacrifice was prepared. It included: a lovly arragement of red and white flowers donated by Bishop Bradley's family; and air-brush picture of a Sister of the Divine Redeemer professing her vows; a picture of a Chalice being held by a priest; and a picture of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
During the 2:00 p.m. Holy Mass on that day, along with these two events, a special one was celebrated:
Bishop Paul J. Bradley's 20th Anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination
Bishop Bradley, of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, was consecrated Bishop of the Pittsburgh Diocese for four years. He served as Bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo in Michigan fourteen years and he was Administrator of the Diocese of Steubenville in Ohio one year. Emeritus Bishop Bradley, now living very close to the Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer and his family as well, celebrated his anniversary in the Chapel of the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer.
At the beginning of the Holy Mass, while the Bishop, three Priests, and a Deacon walked in procession at the presence of a large Bishop's family, friends and the Sisters, a hymn “Waiting in Joyful Hope” was sung. This hymn, which is very appropriate in this Jubilee Year of Hope, was composed by Father James Chepponis of the Diocese of Pittsburgh specifically for the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Paul Bradley on February 2, 2005, based on Bishop Bradley’s Episcopal Motto: “Waiting in Joyful Hope”. The small choir led the music for Mass: Sr. Viannea, SDR, played organ; Sr. Mariella, RSM, (Bishop Bradley's sister) played flute; Sr. Michaela, SDR, was a cantor; and Sr. Geraldine, SDR, sang alto and descant. Another Father Chepponis' hymn "Magnificat" was sung after Holy Communion as a Thanksgiving to God for His graces and guidance. At the end of the Holy Mass, the resounding "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name" sounded throughout the chapel.
The refreshment, prepared by Bishop's family, followed Holy Mass.
A Day full of joy, best wishes, and God's blessing and graces ended in the joyful gathering of those who participated.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE JUBILARIANS!
GOD'S BLESSING TO ALL!
Saint of the Day
We Remember
February
Merciful Jesus, grant them eternal rest.
| 10 | Sister M. Charitas Sebo 1998 |
| 14 | Sister M. Alferia Szabo 1967 |
| 14 | Sister M. Benigna Kulcsar 1982 |
| 14 | Sister M. Louise Paul 2005 |
| 16 | Sister M. Floriella Lang 2010 |
| 17 | Sister M. Immaculata Beres 1982 |
| 22 | Sister M. Gemma Szilagyi 2003 |
| 23 | Sister M. Conrada Nagy 2004 |
| 24 | Sister M. Gallertine Lang 1999 |
| 26 | Sister M. Christine Kiss 1992 |
Mass Schedule:
7:30 AMMonday:
7:30 AMTuesday:
7:30 AMWednesday:
7:30 AMThursday:
7:30 AMFriday:
8:00 AMSaturday:
8:00 AMSunday:
8:00 AMHolidays:
Holy Hour - Adoration:
Thursday before First Friday: 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Thursday before First Friday: 7:00 - 8:00 PM