Pope Francis has proclaimed 2015 as a special Year dedicated to Consecrated Life. It also marks the 50th anniversary of Perfectae Caritatis, the Vatican II decree on the renewal of religious life. On this Trinity Sunday, we praise the God of Love: present to us as creating and loving Father; as Jesus, the Incarnate Word, the Son; and as the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, God’s indwelling presence. On this feast of the Visitation, we also thank God for the loving and generous witness of those who serve the Lord in consecrated life, uniting our praise with Mary’s Magnificat: “The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is God’s name!”

At St. Monica’s, we have been – and continue to be – richly blessed by this gift of consecrated life. It began with the presence of the Congregation of Notre Dame at our parish and school through the 1950s and 1960s, and it flourished with the 26 years of pastoral ministry offered by Sister Beverley Wattling, who celebrates this year her Golden Jubilee as a Sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. I think of so many others too numerous to be named – vowed religious, consecrated virgins, and associates who, through ministerial service and the witness of their commitment, show us the beauty of a life lived fully through, with, and in Christ. It is with special joy this weekend that we welcome the promises of Carmel Kilkenny and Sharon DiFruscia, received at today’s 11 a.m. Mass as associates of the Congregation of Notre Dame. Living as laywomen in the world, they will bring the spirituality of the Visitation, exemplified by Marguerite Bourgeoys, to their witness at home, work, and community.