Celebrating 75 Years of Faithful Service: The Diamond Jubilee of Sister Carmen

Marking seventy-five years of religious life, Sister Carmen’s journey is a testimony of unwavering faith and joyful commitment to God’s call

A day of profound gratitude and joy marked the Diamond Jubilee of Sister Carmen, who this year celebrates 75 years of religious life devoted to God and to those most in need. The celebration coincided beautifully with the conclusion of the spiritual retreat of the Province, allowing all the Sisters to share in the thanksgiving together.

The day began with a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving, during which Sister Carmen renewed her vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, a heartfelt reaffirmation of her lifelong “yes” to God.

During the Offertory, several meaningful symbols were presented:

• A candle, representing the light of Christ that has guided her throughout her journey
• The Bible and the Constitutions, which have nurtured her faith and inspired her daily service to the sick and those in need, in the spirit of hospitality and mercy.
• A bouquet of flowers, symbolising all the people who, over the years, have benefited from her generous and faithful service to the Kingdom of God;
• And finally, the bread and wine, soon to become the Body and Blood of Christ, the source and summit of her vocation.

The midday reception was filled with a festive and joyful atmosphere. Sisters from across the Province offered poems and songs in her honour, celebrating her fidelity and total dedication to God over the past seventy-five years. The day concluded with the traditional cutting of the cake, followed by a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving for the many blessings received.

When asked about her feelings on this milestone, Sister Carmen shared:

“Above all, I feel a deep sense of gratitude to God for the gift of faith and for calling me to follow Him in the Hospitaller religious life. I thank Him for sustaining me throughout these years and for continuing to guide me each day.”

Looking back on her journey, she reflected:

“For me, the most significant grace has been the daily gift of the Eucharist. It is the centre of my life, the source of my union with Jesus and of my spiritual strength. I give thanks to God for allowing me to live this great gift every day.”

Having served in various missions, including in Africa, Sister Carmen continues to live her vocation with humility and joy:

“Throughout my life, I have tried to serve the sick and the needy, aware of the Lord’s words: ‘Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ This remains as true today as it was when I began my religious journey.”

To younger Sisters and to those discerning their vocation, her message is both simple and profound:

“I have been very happy following Jesus in this path. If the Lord calls you to consecrate your life to Him, listen to His voice and follow. It is truly worthwhile to give your life to Jesus in the service of those most in need.”

As the Sisters joined in celebration, gratitude filled the air, gratitude for Sister Carmen’s unwavering faith, her quiet strength, and her luminous witness to God’s love through seventy-five years of Hospitaller service.

Congratulations, Sister Carmen, on your Diamond Jubilee!
May the Lord continue to bless your life and vocation with peace, joy, and faithful love