SCRANTON – With prayers of thanksgiving and deep gratitude, the Diocese of Scranton celebrated its annual Jubilee Mass for Women and Men Religious on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, at the Cathedral of Saint Peter.
The Mass honored 23 religious sisters and brothers who are marking milestone anniversaries in consecrated life this year – accounting for a combined 1,415 years of faithful service to God and the Church.
The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, served as principal celebrant and homilist for the Jubilee Mass. The Bishop expressed heartfelt appreciation to the jubilarians for their lifelong witness of discipleship and prayer – which has spanned 25, 50, 60, 70 and even 75 years in some cases.
“What a blessing we’ve been given in all of you,” Bishop Bambera said. “More than you realize or appreciate, you continually challenge us to trust in the mercy, love and forgiveness of God – something that many of us in the Church forget, all too often.”
In his homily for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Bishop reflected on the Gospel call to authentic discipleship, reminding those gathered that faith must always be lived with integrity and compassion.
“There is a very simple message that I hope we will all take from today’s Gospel,” the Bishop said. “Jesus calls us to live our lives with integrity. He calls us to give the beliefs that we profess a life.”
Drawing upon a personal story from his visit to Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, a former slave fortress, Bishop Bambera spoke of the “disconnect” that can sometimes exist between what we profess as Christians and how we live our lives.
As he looked at the jubilarians seated in front of him, the Bishop thanked them for boldly proclaiming the Gospel message in a world that far too often fails to embrace it.
“Your commitment to work for justice for the marginalized – immigrants, the poor, those held captive today by greed and sexual exploitation, and all those oppressed by far too many who deem themselves righteous – provides us with a unique and powerful witness to the presence of God at work in our world today in 2025,” Bishop Bambera added.
Among those celebrating jubilees this year is Sister Mary Theresa Wojcicki, a Sister of Christian Charity, who is marking 50 years of religious life. Originally from Great Meadows, N.J., Sister Mary Theresa now ministers at Saint Jude School in Mountain Top.
“The greatest joy that I have had was to be able to work with children and bring them to Jesus,” she said.
Reflecting on her vocation, Sister Mary Theresa shared, “I was impressed with the Sisters of Christian Charity in grade school. I saw that they were cheerful, always happy, and ready to serve – and I wanted to follow that charism.”
Sister Elizabeth (Betty) Bullen, a Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, is celebrating 60 years of religious life this year.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Sister Betty spent much of her ministry in North Carolina before returning to live in Scranton. She describes her ministry as a lifelong adventure in faith and friendship.
“My greatest joy has been getting to meet amazing people who are different than I was and being able to expand my understanding of cultures and faiths,” she said.
Sister Mary Eleanor Thornton, a Sister of Mercy, who is celebrating 70 years of religious life, said her greatest joy has been spending decades ministering to the poor through social service centers, food programs, and parish outreach.
“It was such a joy and an honor (to serve the poor). God used me to collect food, furniture, and clothing that the poor would need,” she said. “I loved gathering volunteers who would help me.”
Looking back on seven decades of service, Sister Mary Eleanor found special meaning in Bishop Bambera’s homily and his reminder that we can’t just call ourselves Christians; we really must live what Jesus Christ wanted us to do.
“It is all God doing it in us. God gives us the gifts,” she explained. “I’m just grateful to the Sisters of Mercy that they have a fourth vow – to serve the poor, the sick and the uneducated – and that they were willing to let me do the things I could do for the poor.”