Denver Catholic

DCR - Dec. 3, 2014

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Year of Consecrated Life opens, longtime sisters honored BY CINDY BROVSKY A simple gold band on her left ring finger reminds Reli- gious Sister of Mercy Mary Sean Crimmins that her first and on- ly love has been Jesus Christ for 65 years. "A little old lady asked me about my ring, and I told her I have been married to God," Sis- ter Crimmins said. "I was able to explain to her that while some people view being a nun as an escape from life that it really is about a strong, lifetime com- mitment to Jesus Christ." Sister Crimmins was among 13 sisters recognized by Arch- bishop Samuel Aquila during a Mass opening the Year of Consecrated Life Nov. 30 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Pope Francis designated the year- long focus on consecrated life and challenged the Church's religious sisters, brothers and priests to "wake up the world" with their testimony of faith, holiness and hope. The 13 nuns—who have dedicated their lives to the Church from 25 to 70 years— have served in many areas during their time with the Archdiocese of Denver, includ- ing teaching, health care and migrant outreach. "There is a real joy in be- ing called to live a selfless life," said Sister of Charity of Leavenworth Bernadette Teas- dale, who has been a sister for 60 years. "The Lord works through us and allows us to experience the joys of seeing other people grow." Archbishop Aquila recalled his childhood growing up in a Catholic school that had more than 1,000 students taught by only 24 nuns. "It was an incredible group of young women who filled our lives with joy and taught us and helped us fall in love with Christ," Aquila told the congre- gation, reminding them to keep the consecrated in their prayers. The Mass was the first Sun- day of Advent, which celebrates the first coming of Christ and preparation for the second coming of Christ, Aquila said. "The Lord is expecting us to be ready and be watchful; to be those who proclaim Christ because we truly do not know when that day will come," he said. "And that is true al - so to our own personal death because that too is a second coming of sorts for Christ. We should always be ready for death because we do not know when that will come." The archbishop remind- ed the sisters, brothers and priests—and the Catholic community at large—to be proud of Jesus Christ and INDEX Archbishop's column .......................2 The Catholic Difference ..................4 Letters to the Editor .......................4 Bulletin Board ...................................9 Crossword/Word Search ................9 TV Mass schedule .......................... 10 Nun of the Above quiz .................. 10 Service Directory .............................11 'There is a real joy in being called to live a selfless life' PHOTO BY DANIEL PETTY/DCR RELIGION Sister of Mercy Marie Faustina Wolniakowski prays during the opening Mass for the Year of Consecrated Life celebrated by Archbishop Samuel Aquila Nov. 30 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The special year, designated by Pope Francis to help people learn about consecrated life and the contributions religious men and women make to society, will continue through Feb. 2, 2016. DECEMBER 3, 2014 114 Years of Service to the Gospel Volume XC - No. 42 www.DenverCatholicRegister.org I Follow us on HOLY DAY DCR FILE PHOTO BY JAMES BACA On Dec. 8, a holy day of obligation, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the solemn dogma pro- claimed by Blessed Pope Pius IX in 1854. She is the patroness of the United States and the Archdiocese of Denver. LOCAL NEWS REPORT PAGE 6 PAGES B1-B8 Archdiocese of Denver 2014 Financial Report Head of Little Sisters to comment after Denver hearing See Joy, Page 3

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