Last month, on June 13, 2018, in honour of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s 150th anniversary in the Diocese of London, twelve Sisters represented the Congregation as guests of Bishop Ronald Fabbro, host of the 10th annual Bishop’s Dinner for London and surrounding communities.
A crowded London Convention Centre twinkled in candlelight as supporters of the works of the Roman Catholic Diocese of London gathered in a celebration of faith, friendship and charity. Prior to settling into the festive meal, Bishop Fabbro addressed the participants with thanks and appreciation. He lauded the Sisters of St. Joseph for their 150 years of service in the diocese and far beyond its confines. He gave a brief sketch of their beginnings when 6 Sisters arrived by train from Toronto to London on Dec. 11th, 1867. He outlined the congregation’s rapid growth and variety of ministries and founding of many missions in the diocese and beyond its borders to Edmonton, The NorthWest Territories, etc. The bishop highlighted the community’s adaptability following Vatican II in the sixties when the needs of people saw the congregation[j1] move from more traditional works in healthcare and education to many forms of assisting the poor in soup kitchen, work with immigrants, detox centre, social justice initiatives and a myriad of other ministries. In addition, the sisters answered a call from the bishop, a mission was opened in Peru where the Sisters served for almost 50 years alongside volunteer priests from the Diocese of London. As Bishop Fabbro ended his tribute, the Sisters stood and were acknowledged with grateful applause and standing ovation.
Following dinner, six diocesan priests who chose the name “Vocati” performed light-hearted and beautifully stirring hymns to the delight of the crowd. Our own Sr. Loretta Manzara and Celine Murray provided piano and violin accompaniment respectively. Many cameras were trained on the performers who on a special June evening made a name for themselves. - Jean Moylan, csj
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