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Jubilee Celebration at the Basilian Motherhouse
On Saturday, June 22, 2019 the Sisters of the Order of Saint Basil the Great in Fox Chase gathered to celebrate the jubilee of five Sisters – Sister Theodosia Lukiw and Sister Laura Palka – 70 years; Sister Chrysostom Lukiw 65 years and Sisters Ann Laszok and Monica Lesnick 55 years.
At the Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving Rev. John Ciurpita, chaplain of the Sisters, warmly greeted the Sisters offering his best wishes and prayers. Immediately following the Liturgy the Sisters were feted at a celebratory dinner for their many years of service. Congratulatory remarks were offered to each Sister.
Sister Joann, who spent many years in ministry with Sister Theodosia, personally reflected that she has “…witnessed her as an ever-available listener, a mentor and a wise woman.” Commenting further Sister Joann shared that “As a young teacher you mentored me and many others at St. George School in New York City. Immigrant parents entrusted their children into your care and leadership until you became to cornerstone of the school and the New York Archdiocese. You have touched the lives of many who entrusted their most sacred treasures to your care.”
Sister Miriam Claire, Motherhouse Superior, spoke about the wonderful gifts and traits that Sister Laura has shared not only with community but with the wider Church. She especially noted Sisters gifted contribution to liturgical music and gave special mention to Sister’s musical composition – the Cathedral of Saint George.
Sister Theodora spoke lovingly of Sister Chrysostom’s disposition and ready smile. Sister’s teaching ministry included being principal and/or teacher at St. John the Baptist in Newark, NJ, St. Nicholas in Chicago, Immaculate Conception in Hamtramck, SS Peter and Paul in Cohoes, St. John the Baptist in Syracuse, St. George’s in New York City and St. Josaphat in Philadelphia. Sister served as both principal and teacher.
Sister Dorothy Ann, Provincial Superior, offered words of congratulation to Sisters Ann and Monica focusing on their years of ministry and the contribution that have made to the Ukrainian Catholic Church and community commenting that “The years you have living as Sisters toiling in the vineyards of the Lord have never been humdrum or boring; they have been filled with spirit, laughter, and gifts from God too numerous to mention. Through these fifty-five years you have accentuated and underscored your finest qualities and your greatest gifts in our ministries. You have discovered what it means to be alive, to be in love, to be on the right path. For you it has been 55 years of hilarity and learning to be alive rather than simply living.”