Four sisters serving in the diocese told the Catholic Herald that they will celebrate jubilees this year. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated a Mass for the Consecrated Religious at St. Leo the Great Church in Fairfax and joined the sisters for lunch Feb. 4 at St. Leo the Great Church in Fairfax.
He noted in his homily that in this second year of preparation for our diocesan Golden Jubilee, “our focus on Mary our Mother and the theme ‘Rejoice.’ We have many reasons to rejoice today as we celebrate the gift that you and your communities and congregations are to this diocese as you faithfully live your vows and charisms and offer such a beautiful witness. We rejoice in a special way as we honor our jubilarians for their years of service rooted in their love for the Lord, his Church and people. We join our jubilarians at this Mass in thanking the Lord for the great things he has done for them throughout the years.
“Today is also a wonderful day for you, dear Sisters, to renew your own promises and vows as you strive daily, like Mary, to offer your ‘yes’ to God and the vocation he has entrusted to you.”
Read the jubiliarians’ bios below:
60 years
Immaculate Heart of Mary Sr. Patricia Healey was born Oct. 28, 1942, in Philadelphia, to Agnes Marie and William Patrick. She has one sister.
She attended Archbishop Prendergast High School in Upper Darby, Pa. She earned a bachelor’s from Immaculata University in Immaculata, Pa., 1967; a master’s in education from Temple University in Philadelphia in 1977; and a principal certificate from Villanova University in Villanova, Pa., 1987. She made her first profession of vows Jan. 16, 1963, and her final Aug. 15, 1968. She has taught elementary school and was in administration work for 25 years. She has served in community administration for 15 years. She is a student academic coach at St. James School in Falls Church.
What drew you to the religious life? As a high school student, I helped in our parish convent. As a small child, I fell in love with the representation of St. Therese, the Little Flower, in our parish church.
What are your hobbies, or favorite family or cultural tradition? I enjoy family gatherings and reading a good book.
Would you like to share one of your fondest memories of your time as a religious sister so far? I have so many good memories. It is hard to pinpoint one memory. At present, I enjoy hearing from the students, now adults, that have contacted me with a memory of their time in my class. As a teacher or administrator, you never know the influence you have on a child.
50 years
Immaculate Heart of Mary Sr. Margaret M. Langer was born Nov. 16, 1950, in Philadelphia, to Joseph Langer and Margaret M. Olsen Langer Erdlen. She has five sisters and one step-sister. She attended St. Hubert High School in Philadelphia. She earned her bachelor’s from Immaculata University in Immaculata, Pa., 1977; a master’s in special education from College of New Jersey in Ewing; and a master’s in deaf education from Gallaudet University in Washington.
She made her first profession of vows in 1973 and her final in 1978. Her assignments include elementary school teacher in the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa. (1973-75, 1979-80); the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (1975-79); and the Diocese of Charleston, S.C. (1980-86). She served as elementary school administrator in the Archdiocese of Hartford, Conn., (1986-92) and the Diocese of Camden, N.J. (1992-98); and administrator at Archbishop Ryan School for Deaf Children in Philadelphia (1998-2006). She also taught students with hearing impairments at Montgomery Public Schools in Alabama (2006-17). She is a special education teacher at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington.
What drew you to the religious life? A desire to teach children and to help them to get to know the love of God better.
What are your hobbies, or favorite family or cultural tradition? My hobbies include reading, walking and spending time with family.
Would you like to share one of your fondest memories of your time as a religious sister so far? My favorite memories as a religious sister includes developing friendships with families that span years and the ability to see their children grow and mature into adults. It is always a joy when former students connect and express gratitude for what was learned and for helping them to become strong in their faith and in the ability to make good choices in life.
Sisters of St. Joseph Sr. Karl Ann Homberg was born Dec. 11, 1950, in Baltimore, to Anna Rita Hauf and Henry Stanley Homberg, one of six children. She attended the John Carroll High School (1965-69). She earned a bachelor’s in elementary education and a master’s in supervision and evaluation from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia and Boston College in Newton, Mass.
She made her first profession of vows July 22, 1973, and final vows July 22, 1978. Her assignments include St. Timothy in Philadelphia (1972-73); Catholic Community School in Baltimore (1973-79); St. Patrick School in Kennett Square, Pa., (1979-82); St. Philip School in Falls Church (1982-90); and the Office of Catholic Schools in Arlington (1990-2021). She is assigned to St. James School in Falls Church.
25 years
Benedictine Sisters of Virginia Sr. Charlotte Lee was born May 17, 1941, in Richmond, to Blanton and Marguerite Lee, one of four children.
She made her first profession Sept. 6, 1998, and perpetual profession Sept. 8, 2001.
Her assignments include: spiritual director and retreat leader at Benedictine Pastoral Center in Bristow (1996-2023); pastoral care for infirmed sisters (1996-2023); work at Housing BARN for homeless women and children (1998-2003); pastoral coordinator at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas (1999-2004); director of oblates (2006-19); and pastoral associate at St. Anne Church in Colonial Heights (2019-20). She is assigned at Benedictine Pastor Center and Pastoral Care Support at St. Benedict Monastery.
What drew you to religious life? I found my true self in this community of loving, welcoming, challenging women. My favorite line from the Rule of Benedict is “Prefer nothing to the love of Christ and he will bring us all to everlasting life.”
What are your hobbies, or favorite family or cultural traditions? I have always loved parties and celebration, especially with people from other cultures. What a gift there is in diversity.
Would you like to share one of your fondest memories of your time as a religious sister so far? I treasure the time I spend with Sister Mary Ellen Black. She is 95 years old, the oldest member of our community, and my role model, mentor, spiritual director, and friend. She has been the face of Christ to me from day one of my life in community and remains so to this day.
