The May 26 issue of The Catholic Post included a 24-page special section honoring 104 priests, women religious and permanent deacons who have devoted their lives to the people of God and are observing special anniversary years in 2013.

They include natives of this diocese, as well as those who are working in central Illinois now or have ministered here in the past. All of them are held in high esteem by the people they’ve served in ways too numerous to count.

The entire section, compliled by Jennifer Willems, assistant editor of The Catholic Post, may be viewed on our e-Edition by clicking here. Simply scroll past the regular edition pages to find the Jubilarian section.

In the photo above, Deacon Charles Murray of St. Joseph’s Parish in Pekin and at 92 the oldest active permanent deacon in the Diocese of Peoria, offers a blessing at the baptism of Remi Miller, held by parents Beth and Tanner Miller. Deacon Murray is one of 10 deacons celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2013.

Meanwhile, here is a letter from Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, expressing gratitude for the lives of loving service of all 2013 jubilarians:

—–

My dear friends in Christ,

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he commissioned the eleven apostles to continue his work on earth with the specific instruction to “make disciples of all nations.” Every Christian has a role to play in accomplishing this task, but throughout the centuries our Lord has called certain individuals, both men and women, to commit their lives to vocations of dedicated service to this mission through the Church. We honor and remember many of these consecrated and ordained servants as canonized saints, but many more are still serving in our midst. Motivated by a true love of the Lord, these individuals give living witness to the joy that comes from a lifetime of faithful service.

Whatever vocation God has called us to, it is customary and appropriate to celebrate our anniversaries and to reflect on the accomplishments of the past. But anniversaries are also important times to build on our experiences and reaffirm our commitment for the future. This is especially true for jubilee celebrations when major milestones of service are remembered.

Each year we recognize and honor the jubilarians in our Diocese, and I invite all of the good people of the Diocese of Peoria to join me in this celebration, during this Year of Faith, with the families and religious communities of these servants. Along with prayers of gratitude, we also pray that Almighty God will continue to bless these individuals with many more years of consecrated and priestly ministry.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, CSC
Bishop of Peoria