Homily on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee

 Homily on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Sister Elsy

"You did not choose me, but I chose you" (John 15:16)
"For the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name" (Luke 1:49)

My dear Sister Elsy, Golden Jubilarian, beloved priests, sisters, and cherished well-wishers, what a profound joy fills our hearts today! Fifty years—a half-century—of divine grace! This is not merely a celebration for Sister Elsy; it is a testament to God's unwavering love and faithfulness, a shared moment of jubilation for all of us gathered here. We have travelled from near and far, drawn by the radiant light of Sister Elsy's consecrated life, to commemorate this extraordinary milestone.

This is not just an anniversary; it's a festival, a grand celebration, a living testament to dedication. As we witness this golden jubilee, our hearts overflow with gratitude, a gratitude that permeates every word, every song, and every shared smile.

“Jubilee” is a word that resonates with deep historical and spiritual significance. Rooted in the Hebrew word Yovel, the ram's horn that heralded a time of liberation and joy, and echoed in the Latin jubileo, a shout of gladness. Today, the readings we have heard are not mere words; they are echoes of a divine call, highlighting the prophetic nature of consecrated life. They remind us of the enduring fruits of faith and hope, the essential fellowship in the Triune God, and the transformative power of love that leads to perfect joy.

Fifty years ago, a young woman, filled with the fire of divine love, stood before God and made a sacred vow. Sister Elsy, inspired by the unwavering faith of St. Francis and Clare and the charism of the Congregation, committed her life to God’s service. She embarked on a journey of love, faith, prayer, and humility.

Think of the countless moments, the unseen sacrifices and the quiet acts of service that have woven the tapestry of her life. Imagine the strength it took to uphold the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare, to expand the Kingdom of God's love.

Sister Elsy, you have been a beacon of light, a living embodiment of your Congregation’s vision and mission. You have striven to spread the Gospel with grace and humility. You have lived a life of simplicity, placing your complete trust in God, proclaiming Christ through your words and deeds, and fostering loving community.

Today, as we witness this golden jubilee, we see not just a celebration of time, but a celebration of faithfulness. You have lived your promises, and for that, we offer you our heartfelt applause and admiration. (Pause for applause).

Dear sisters and brothers, let us join in thanking God for calling Sister Elsy and for enriching our lives through her dedicated service. Her consecrated life is a powerful witness to the Church, a reminder of the transformative power of God’s love.

Jubilee celebrations hold a special place in the Church because they are moments of grace, reflection, and renewal. They are opportunities to celebrate the successes achieved in fulfilling our apostolic responsibilities and to acknowledge the blessings received from God. There are also times to reflect on the obstacles overcome and the lessons learned.

The Jubilee year invites us to look back with gratitude and move forward with faith. Why should we look back? To remember the moments of grace, to repent for past shortcomings, to restore what has been lost, to rejoice in God’s mercy, to recognize God’s compassion shown through us, and to rededicate our lives to spreading God’s Kingdom.

Consecrated life is inherently a missionary life, a prophetic calling. As Pope Francis reminds us, "To awaken the world, I have great confidence in religious!" We are called to be prophets, bearing witness to Jesus through our lives. How do we do this? By living according to the Gospel, by sharing the light and joy that comes from following Christ, and by learning to love as Jesus loved.

Sister Elsy, you have answered this call with unwavering dedication.

Jubilee is synonymous with gratitude. It is a testament to strong faith, generous love, and boundless hope. It acknowledges the presence of God's power and guidance in our lives. As Ephesians 2:8-10 reminds us, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

True gratitude is not just a word; it's a way of life. It's recognizing that we are beneficiaries of God's generosity, safeguarding the gifts we have received, and sharing God's grace with others. As 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 urges us, "Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances."

Dear Sister Elsy, we hold you in deep love, respect, and admiration. Your life is a wellspring of inspiration for us all. Continue to be a shining example, a beacon of hope. We pray that God will continue to enrich your life, to bless you with strength and joy.

As St. Paul wrote, "Every time we think of you, we give thanks to God." We pray that God, who began this good work in you, will bring it to completion. May God bless you abundantly, now and forever. Amen.