March 2017 A Golden Jubilee at Santa Rita Abbey

March 2017 A Golden Jubilee at Santa Rita Abbey

Sister Esther’s Golden Jubilee

The big event this month was our Sister Esther Sawal’s Golden Jubilee, celebrated on Monday, March 13, 2017. Sr. Esther began her religious life in her native Philippines where she entered the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master soon after her high school graduation. She made her first vows in 1967. After twenty years in active ministry, the Lord called her to the contemplative life. She joined our monastic community here at Santa Rita Abbey in Arizona in 1986.

For the Jubilee celebration our friend Fr. Greg Adolf from St. Andrew’s Parish in Sierra Vista, AZ, presided at the Mass and gave a rousing homily. The presence of family and friends added to the celebration. Sr. Esther’s niece, Natalie Cunanan, and her husband, Lito, came from Virginia. Special friends came from as far away as Toronto, Canada and as near as Tucson–including a childhood friend of Sr. Esther’s, Espie, whom she had not seen for over fifty years. Sr. Jeanne Bartholomeaux, Vicar for Religious in our diocese, and local friends of the monastery joined us at the Mass as well. During the Mass special remembrance was made of Sr. Esther’s brother (and Natalie’s father), Fernando Sawal, who passed away just a year ago.

After Midday Prayer we enjoyed a festive meal with Sr. Esther’s guests. Special thanks to Fr. Greg for the Mass, to Petra who prepared the wonderful Mexican meal, and to Watt & Wendy who gave the lovely flowers which decorated both the church and the refectory. It was a wonderful celebration for one and all, and most especially for our Sr. Esther, who radiated joy throughout!

Mother Vicki blessing Sister Esther before Mass

Congratulatory hugs!

Last minute touches to the flowers at the altar

The first reading was from Isaiah 63, read by Sr Esther’s niece, Natalie.

The second reading from 2 Corinthians 12, was read by Sr. Nettie

Fr. Greg proclaimed the Gospel, Luke 19:1-10, and preached the homily

Sr. Esther listening to the homily

Sr. Esther renewing her vows at the altar

Sr. Rita was the altar server for Fr. Greg as Mass continued

Sr. Esther and Mother Vicki

Fr. Greg Adolf and Sr. Esther

A partial group photo. From left to right: Sr. Cathy, Sr. Catherine, Sr. Jacqui, Sr. Kate, Fr. Greg, Sr. Esther, Sr. Rita, Sr. Clare, and Sr. Jeanne

Natalie & Lito Cunanan traveled from Virginia

Wendy & Watt Webb came from California

Friends Gerry & Cion from Phoenix, and Espie & Cesar from Toronto, Canada

Friends Donna and Petra from Tucson

Dinner in the refectory with Fr. Greg leading the prayer

Two rows of tables with ivory table cloths and gold-colored place mats

The scrumptious jubilee cake

Sr. Jeanne Bartholomeaux, Vicar for Religious for the Diocese of Tucson, and Sr. Nettie, with Sr. Kate in the background