Fifty years… cinquant'anni… pięćdziesiąt lat… no matter what language you say it in, it's still a long time. And, when we consider a commitment of fifty years to any unique lifestyle, that milestone is rarely, if ever reached. So, when the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth began planning the observance of the Golden Jubilee of Religious Life of our Superior General, Sister Janice Fulmer, you could feel the enthusiasm building on both sides of the Oceans!
For weeks leading up to May 9, 2009, Sisters from all parts of the world were putting their heads together, mulling over ways to observe the Golden Jubilee of Religious Life of Sister Janice Fulmer. In addition, the Sisters who live at the Generalate were busy with a variety of activities in preparation for the arrival of the many guests, who would extend our Roman family to 150 people for this occasion.
The jubilee spirit heightened with the arrival of the first guests, members of Sister Janice's family, on May 6th. We were delighted that 24 members of Sister Janice's family were present for the celebration. Our doors opened daily to welcome family and friends who continued to arrive from as far away as Japan, and as near as our neighbors just down the street. We hope that all, who traveled distances for this occasion, sensed our gratitude for the sacrifices they made to be here with our jubilarian. We continue to be enriched by their ongoing association with our Congregation. We also experienced a closer bond with our sisters around the world, who were represented by the Provincial Superiors.
S. Janice's Golden Jubilee celebration was a time to recognize the contributions of the past, celebrate the present, and envision hope in the future fulfillment of God's invitation to love one another. The occasion enriched our awareness of God's gifts to Sister Janice, and enabled us to share with others the tapestry of grace God's call has created among us. It was a wonderful reminder of the challenges and sacrifices asked of those, who choose to leave all things to follow Christ.
When we work together, we bring out the best in each other. This was evident in the splendid cooperation which resulted in the sharing of our Sisters' talents for art, creativity, music, and unique Nazareth hospitality. Whether preparing floral arrangements, liturgy and prayer, meals and menus, programs, the end result was the smooth unfolding of the day, one activity blending seamlessly into another.
The day of jubilee began with a special Morning Prayer in the Chapel. Afterwards, the guests gathered in the dining room, where the local community offered their greetings musically through Andrea Bocelli's, "The Prayer". Representing all present, Sister Bozena Flak delivered poetic greetings entitled, "A Jubilee Bouquet." As these wishes were being rendered, Sr. Maria Teresa Marcinik mirrored these sentiments by preparing a bouquet symbolic of Sister Janice's life experiences. Sister Weneranda then presented Sister Janice with a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses. A festive breakfast which expressed the culinary creativity of our Sisters highlighted the morning.
The Liturgy of Thanksgiving for fifty years of faithful service of Sister Janice Fulmer was celebrated by Rev. Brian Crawford, Councilor General of the Oblates of St. Joseph, accompanied by nine concelebrants. The homilist was Rev. Donald Oleksiak from the diocese of Cleveland, Ohio.
Adding to the beauty of the celebration was the music and singing provided by the CSFN guest choir from Poland, directed by Sister Karen Trafankowska, the Italian choir from the parish of Our Lady of the Presentation, directed by Sister Carola Nieznanska, and the voices of the local community. In addition, several sisters from the Genralate formed a bell choir, which, accompanied by keyboard and strings, beautifully rendered the Offertory Hymn.
The Liturgy concluded with an expression of thanks offered by the Jubilarian in English, Polish, and Italian. Having captured these precious moments in photographs, guests gathered in the courtyard for refreshments, then proceeded to a sumptuous mid-day meal where stories of the Jubilarian's life continued to be shared among friends and family. The dinner festivities concluded with a toast by Sister Janice Marie Blados.
Following evening Vespers and a light meal, the festivities continued in the cinema room where our Sisters' Choir from Poland rendered a medley of international music. This was complemented by a power point presentation of key milestones in Sister Janice's life. The journey down Memory Lane brought back recollections of lifelong dreams, challenges, and hopes. The evening closed with much laughter and a final word of appreciation from Sister Janice.
Sister Janice, not only on this day of celebration and thanksgiving, but throughout your jubilee year, your family, we, your Sisters, and your friends join you, to thank God that He has used your gifts and talents in responding to the spiritual needs of His People. Walking in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd, may your heart always yearn to act with Jesus' Love.
