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FSPA silver jubilarians celebrate service milestones in November

From left, Sisters Corrina Thomas, Deborah Schwab and Jacinta Jackson stand in front of the flags of their respective countries.

Serving as an indication of the changing face of the FSPA, the 2006 silver jubilarians only became a class in recent years. Sister Jacinta Jackson, formerly of Zimbabwe, became a full member in 2003. Sister Corrina Thomas, formerly of India, was incorporated in 2004. On Nov. 25, 2006, they joined Sister Deborah Schwab to celebrate their 25-year commitment to God.

The three collaborated to develop the celebration, expressing their differences in a unified theme. They chose an image of three diverse women holding up the earth as their symbol. Remain in my love was their celebration theme.

Upon arriving at the silver jubilee Mass, high energy, color, diversity and a special joy were immediately evident. If a food were used to depict the occasion, it might look like a multi-colored striped candy cane. The stripes are parallel to one another twisting around, each color is unique and vibrant, united by the underlying candy cane.

From left, Sisters Corrina Thomas and Karen Neuser

Before the Mass the three posed for pictures before the flags of their various countries of origin. Several FSPA members donned Indian attire, saris, to honor Sister Corrina's traditions. The jubilarians were visually united by their beaming faces and eventually by the plate of flowers each carried in the procession.

The plates held multi-colored daisies and carnations. The center of each plate varied. One held incense, another a candle and the third a white carnation. They were placed before the altar and were used in an Aarti ritual, as the amen to the eucharistic prayer. In the ritual Aarti the auspicious articles, fire, incense and flowers are moved in a circular motion to signify the highest love for God.

Sister Jacinta Jackson with her nephew

Father Jude Weisenbeck presided at the liturgical celebration. In the reflection Sister Marlene Weisenbeck focused on the future of these jubilarians by offering five possibilities for moving forward: letting go, moving inward, simplifying, moving outward and giving gifts. For each possibility she related insights on moving forward in religious life. She eventually concluded this discussion with, "The world needs your love. Don't look back, only forward. Don't go wobbly, only sure footed . . . Your Franciscan Sisters rejoice at how you have promoted the Gospel from the first day you joined your walk to ours."

Music for the liturgy was high spirited, in part because of the diverse musicians. Sisters Rochelle Potaracke, Mary Ann Gschwind and Ladonna Kassmeyer combined their voices to cantor. An ad hoc jubilee choir was convened and led by Sister Beth Saner. Sisters Rosemary Riesberg and Loretta Penchi played piano. Sisters Malinda Gerke, Marcella Steffes and Nina Shephard contributed with harp, cello and violin, and Sisters Laura Nettles, Alexine Nii, TSSF, and Hermenegilde Naluyima, LSOF, played drums.

Sister Deb Schwab, middle, with her mother and sisters, from left, Marian Schwab, Rita Lawton and Nancy Ebensperger

With a La Crosse-based ministry Sister Deborah was able to include many family members and friends in the celebration. Despite not having family in the United States, Sisters Corrina and Jacinta were also strongly supported. Sister Jacinta hosted her nephew, and Sister Corrina celebrated with special guests from her Chicago-area ministry. All three jubilarians were surrounded by these guests and numerous FSPA members as they feasted after the liturgy.

Read the silver jubilarians' comments

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