Celebration for Religious Jubilarians is Sunday

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PROVIDENCE - Each year, during the Easter season, the diocese celebrates those religious men and women who are celebrating 25, 50, 60, 65, 70 and even 75 years of Religious Life. It is a way of showing appreciation for the many years of service which Religious have given to the diocese.

As we celebrate these men and women, we remember the many schools, hospitals, nursing homes and social services they founded and/or ran for so many years. We think also of their service in retreat houses, of their spiritual direction and of their many hours of prayer for the people of the diocese and of the world.

They have given of themselves with generosity, compassion and joy. On Sunday, April 22 at the 1 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence, you are invited to join main celebrant Bishop Thomas J. Tobin at the service in which the Religious are celebrated and at which we express our thanks to them and for them.

Music will be provided by the choir of Our Lady of Consolation, Pawtucket, featuring director Nelson Mendes and Phil Faraone, cathedral organist.

Following the Mass, the Jubilarians and their invited guests will attend a reception in the cathedral hall.

This celebration is sponsored by the diocesan Office for Religious and the Council of Religious.

Although many Jubilarians will be in attendance, many cannot because of age or other commitments. Additionally, many faithful Catholics in the diocese will be unable to be physically present. Everyone is invited to join in prayer, wherever they may be, on April 22 in thanks for these men and women and to pray as well that others will respond to God's call to join their ranks.

(This article originally appeared in The Providence Visitor)