The Contemplative Sisters of St. John marked the 25th anniversary of St. Thérèse Convent with a Mass at their chapel in Princeville on June 8. The singing was led by (from left) Sister Olga, Sister Mary Rose, Sister Elisabeth and Sister Michelle Marie. The Catholic Post Online/Paul Thomas Moore

PRINCEVILLE – The date of the original blessing of St. Thérèse Convent in Princeville was June 9, 1999. On June 8, 2024, 25 years less a day later, the Contemplative Sisters of Saint John hosted a day of celebration to mark the jubilee anniversary.

Bishop Louis Tylka presided at Mass, which was followed by lunch, and a festive family time involving visiting with the Sisters and community, a photo display illustrating the Sisters’ time in Princeville, a silent auction and games.

The day came to a grace-filled close with Eucharistic adoration and Vespers.

Back in 1999, the convent’s dedication date of June 9 was chosen because the convent was to be under the patronage of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and June 9 is the anniversary of her Act of Oblation to Merciful Love (e.g., “O My God! Most Blessed Trinity, I desire to Love You and make You Loved. I thank You for all the graces You have granted me.”)

IMMACULATE FOR US

Similarly, the celebration date of June 8, 2024 was significant to the Sisters as it fell on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

As Sister Michelle Marie said, “He made her immaculate for us.”

During the praying of the Angelus before lunch at the 25th anniversary celebration for St. Thérèse Convent in Princeville on June 8, Sister Olga is assisted in her bell-ringing duties by (far left) Ave Darrow, daughter of Coral and Chris Darrow of St. Jude Parish in Peoria, and Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Angela and Ted Smith of St. Philomena Parish in Peoria. The Catholic Post Online/Mary Louise Moore

Encountering Jesus through Mary and Joseph was a theme of Bishop Tylka’s homily at the jubilee Mass in the convent chapel. But he stressed that encountering Jesus is not a treasure to be kept to oneself.

“The true treasure in our hearts is never to be kept there . . . never to be hoarded . . . . it’s to say ‘Thank you Jesus for loving me, and help me to love others as you have loved me.’”

After Mass and lunch, some of the guests shared how they had encountered God via the Contemplative Sisters and St. Thérèse Convent.

TESTIMONIALS

Sara and David Hakes and their four children live less than a mile away – and not by accident. David admitted they wanted to be within the sound of the chapel bells.

Sara referenced the children’s adoration the Sisters host periodically in the chapel. “They really invite the children to come literally close to Jesus,” she said, likening it to how her daughter sometimes takes her face and says “’Look at me, up close!’”

“I think that’s what the Sisters do for us – they put our faces close to Jesus.”

Coral Darrow spoke about how the Sisters have been part of her life for 25 years, ever since her family moved from Colorado to Peoria when she was a girl. She had considered joining the congregation at one point.

That possibility disappeared one husband (Chris) and five children ago, but Coral has no trouble explaining what had attracted her to the convent life.

“In a word . . . joy. The Sisters I met were so joyful.”

Sister Marie François, the general superior of the order, which has convents in six countries, lives in France, and is staying at St. Thérèse Convent until the fall. She said the joy of the Sisters is not dependent on external circumstances. “We are loved by the Lord, and this reality is our joy.”

As well as offering silent retreats, the Sisters help to support themselves by making and selling various handcrafted products such as leather Magnificat and Bible covers and other leather items, wood bead rosaries and original printed cards. They have a virtual gift shop on the Etsy website at https://stjohnsisterscrafts.etsy.com

After celebrating Mass with the Contemplative Sisters of St. John marking the 25th anniversary of St. Thérèse Convent in Princeville, Bishop Louis Tylka stands with (from left): Sister Mary Rose, Sister Olga, Sister Elisabeth, Sister Michelle Marie, Sister Marie François, general superior of the order, and Sister Barbora.

CONTEMPLATIVE, NOT SUBDUED

Approximately 150 guests participated in the Mass and jubilee celebrations, including members of the Apostolic Brothers of St. John from the adjacent St. Joseph Priory, lay oblates, families and individuals.

One jubilee visitor confessed that before coming to St. Thérèse Convent this day, he had harbored a preconception that Sisters of a contemplative order who prayed four hours a day might be rather subdued.

“And we’ve been on our best behavior,” said Sister Mary Rose, smiling.