Jubilarians gather at the Mother Guardian chimes following the Jubilee Mass. Missing is Sister Catherine Biehl who was present at the Mass.
MERIDEN, CT (07-17-2026) – Twelve Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist were celebrated by the Community during the perpetually professed July retreat as they reached milestone years of vowed religious life in 2026. Highlighting the day was a Jubilee Mass with Reverend Christopher Tiano, pastor of St. Paul VI Parish in Hamden as principal celebrant. The Sisters renewed their vows after the homily.
Sisters celebrating 75 years are Sister Catherine Biehl, Sister Mary Ann Schmitz and Sister Mary Timothy Prokes. Sister Mary Ann and Sister Mary Timothy were present by teleconference during the Mass. Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Co-foundress reached 70 years of vowed life. Sister Barbara Cline, present by teleconference, marks 65 years. The 60 year jubilarians are Sister Janet Marie Bagniewski, Sister Margaret Dahl (present by teleconference), Sister Kieran Foley, Sister Suzanne Gross, and Sister Therese Gutting. Two Sisters were honored for 25 years, Sister Raffaella Petrini and Sister Frances Zajac.
The jubilarians’ photos were placed at the base of the altar. Following the Mass, the Community enjoyed a festive meal together during which each jubilarian was honored with a testimonial.
Top row, from left, Sister Mary Ann Schmitz, Mother Shaun Vergauen, Sister Catherine Biehl, Sister Mary Timothy Prokes. Front row, from left, Sister Raffaella Petrini, Sister Frances Zajac, Sister Therese Gutting, Sister Suzanne Gross, Sister Kieran Foley, Sister Janet Marie Bagniewski, Sister Margaret Dahl and Sister Barbara Cline.
