Jubilarian priests, deacons, religious: Remain joyful!

Father Gil Martin, left, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his ordination, gave the homily at the annual jubilarian Mass May 4 honoring priests, deacons and men and women religious on the anniversaries of their ordinations or religious professions. Father Martin, the pastor of St. John of the Cross Parish in Lacombe, urged the jubilarians to stay close to the Eucharist and to prayer in order to have the energy and enthusiasm to proclaim Jesus’ message to the world. “If we do not see the Mass, the Eucharist, as our source, we are only fooling ourselves,” Father Martin said.

Sister of the Holy Family Carmen Marie Bertrand and Teresian Sister Isabel Ordono, right, both celebrating 50 years of religious life, renewed their commitment. In reflections after Communion, Sister of Mount Carmel Andree Bindewald said even in challenging times in the post-Vatican II church and in society, “Jesus stayed with us.” She added: “Because he stayed with us, we know he will stay with us, and we know we will recognize him as we continue our journey in the company of Jesus.”