75 years of devotion
October 25, 2011
HOUSTON — Sister Mary Sebesta, C.V.I. is all too familiar with milestone celebrations. Three years ago, Sister Sebesta — the oldest member ever to live at Incarnate Word Convent — celebrated her 100th birthday among peers, family and friends. Fast-forward to this year: Sister Sebesta again has reached another significant milestone — her 75-year diamond jubilee.
In Jan. 1, 2008, she received a blessings from Pope Benedict XVI, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and a message from then-President George W. Bush.
On Oct. 30, she will receive a special blessing from Cardinal DiNardo at the Archdiocesan Jubilee Mass at All Saints Church in honoring of priests and consecrated religious on the occasions of their jubilees.
Three years ago, she had an angelic smile that brightened the entire room when she celebrated her birthday. Unfortunately for this special moment of her religious life, Sister Sebesta will join them in spirit.
Confined to her bed these days and unable to be as mobile as she was in 2008, six Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament — who are also celebrating their own jubilees — will attend the Archdiocesan Jubilee Mass in her honor.
“She was always a faithful behind the scenes person,” Sister Lauren Beck, C.V.I. said. “She is never one that puts her self out there and not one that offered to be a leader. One of the gifts she has had was the ability to stick with any task...she’s lived her life in selfless giving.”
The Jubilee Mass — scheduled for Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. at All Saints Church, 215 E. 10th St., Houston — is a celebration to honor priests, sisters and brothers who are celebrating 25, 50, 60 and 75 years of ordination or religious vows. †