What Anniversaries Do You Celebrate/Honor?

Ten years ago today, I celebrated with my community, family, and friends my perpetual profession of vows as a Dominican Sister. I found out that day that many of my Dominican Sisters also celebrated anniversaries of profession on July 9 so it became even more special to me as I pondered all the Dominican women on whose shoulders I stood. In addition, today is the 49th anniversary of my Dad’s death, so the day has always been very significant to my family. This week we have also celebrated the lives of Srs. Aniceta Pitstick (Columbus, OH), Theresina Greenwell (St. Catharine, KY), and Siena Ward (Akron, OH) who have completed their lives on this earth and have now joined the saints in heaven.
Two days from now our congregation – Dominican Sisters of Peace: Sisters and Associates in Mission – will affirm and celebrate the first profession of vows of our novice, Sr. Bea Tiboldi. Most of the preparations – interiorly and exteriorly – are ready as Bea and we look forward to another woman joining the long line of followers of Christ in the tradition of Dominic de Guzman.
As Dominicans, we are in the midst of a ten year celebration (2006-2016) of the 800th anniversary of the Order, so it is especially exciting to witness Bea walk her journey in the footsteps of Dominic and Catherine of Siena and the multitudes of Dominican women and men who have come before her. May she and all of us follow closely the last words attributed to Dominic, “Have charity for one another, guard humility, make your treasure out of voluntary poverty.” Congratulations, Sister Bea!
What anniversaries do you celebrate or honor? Whether anniversaries of joy or sorrow may you know the loving presence of Christ in all the events of your life. Peace.