Our Masses of Thanksgiving and farewell
We had two final celebrations of the Eucharist, the first was on January 19th. Bishop Weisenburger [the
new bishop] presided, and Bishop Kicanas was the homilist. To that Mass we invited over 500 of our
friends, relatives, benefactors, volunteers and chaplains. It was a heartfelt and both joyful and tearfilled
celebration of faith and gratitude. Here are some photos from that closing Mass and reception.
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Our final Mass in Chapel was on Sunday January 21st and Msgr. McCarthy presided. We and the people
all processed out together to greet one another and say good-bye on the front pebbles and lawn.
Here are some quotes from Jeremiah McCarthy’s homily.
"...I found myself at a loss at what to say on this day, searching for the right words that would convey to
you not only our deep love for you, but also comfort and peace for us who will remain here, forever
indebted to you and the gift of your Benedictine charism that has graced our Diocese for 82 years. We
desert dwellers know how important water is to sustain life and for that reason we cherish our oases
that provide this precious resource. Your presence and this monastery have been a spiritual oasis for all
of us. You have taught us how to find that "living water" in the Eucharist, and this gift of yours will be
your enduring legacy to us.
...You have taught us, day in and day out, that the Eucharist is central, that it shapes our deepest
longings, unites us to the faithful Lord, our constant companion on life’s journey, whose one great
delight is that we should thrive in abundant communion with the Blessed Trinity.
...In December of 1875, the pioneer sisters who formed your congregation braved the seas and the
prairies of 19th century America to arrive at Clyde Missouri. The sisters came from the Perpetual
Adoration Convent of Maria Rickenbach in Switzerland. From Clyde the great adventure continued with
sister communities in the US (Dayton, WY; Mundelein IL; Tucson; San Diego). How grateful we are to
God’s providence that lead to the arrival of the first sisters in Tucson on August 17, 1935 in response to
Bishop Gercke’s letter of invitation...
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