Province of Meribah celebrates the 50th Jubilee of Bros. Stephen Balletta, Dermot Meehan and Roger Poletti
Approximately 200 people gathered on in Chaminade’s Hearst Auditorium to celebrate the 50th Jubilee of first profession of there members of the Province of Meribah. Members of the religious communities of the Province, diocesan clergy, family, collegues and friends joyfally celebrated the Eucharist in thanksgiving for their vocation and generous devotion to Mary’s mission. Fr. Peter Heiskell, SM, Assistant Provincial, was the main celebrant, and Bro. Joseph Bellizzi, SM, Provincial, served as host and received the renewal of vows during the ceremony.
The joy and celebration continued after the Mass, with a wonderful reception in the large gym of the AAC. During this gathering, Bro. Joseph presented each of the jubilarians with a Papal Blessing and an icon as a gift from the Province. The jubilarians shared their gratitude to God, Mary and all who have walked with them over the last half century in their missionary journey. Each, in his own way, expressed how the good work begun so many years ago, has transformed their own life, deepened their love for the Lord and his Blessed Mother, and given them the privilege of engaging with so many in ministry.
We thank God and Mary for the witness of these brothers. We ask the Lord’s continued blessing of their vocation, their life in the community, and in their ministry. Let us also pray that the Lord might send more workers, like them, into the field so that the great things brought about by God’s grace in these jubilarians, might also multiply!