Jubilarians
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you...”
~ Isaiah 43:2
Each Jubilarian flows with a story to share, and the currents of our individual tales are deepened and enriched by the ripples we create together.
What is a Jubilarian?
Our Hebrew roots provide a tradition for Jubilee to be celebrated every fifty years. In our Dominican tradition, we have developed our own customs. Our celebration of Jubilee brings our Jubilarians back to their origin in the Congregation. We honor each Jubilarian and find ways to identify their unique contributions to our lives. We tell stories about our lives, our learnings, and our joys and sorrows. We celebrate!
Each Jubilarian has a story to tell, and the common threads of our stories are enhanced by one another. The unfolding of the mystery of God’s presence in our lives is awesome. We recognize this unfolding mystery of dying and being reborn as we walk together throughout life. Each Sister’s and Associate’s YES, each day, enhances the whole community.
As we continue to be inflamed with contemplative love daily, we are so grateful for these holy disciples who celebrate their Jubilee this year. We continue to be enriched by their lives.
In memory of the Jubilarians
75 Years – 1950
† S. Ottilia Schaub
† S. Julia Mae Groulx
† S. Maria Tardani
† S. Marie Jude Wysocki
† S. Marie Eickholt
Jubilarians who share eternal life...
70 Years – 1955
† S. Ardeth Platte
† S. Mona Schwind
60 Years – 1965
† S. Marie Celeste Miller
† S. Lynne Hansen
25 Years – 2000
† A. Shirley Breasbois
70 Years
Nathalie Meyer, OP
B“Be Still and Know That I Am God” ~ Psalm 46:10
e Still and Know That I Am God was a choral piece sung by a Madrigal Group I taught at Sts. Peter & Paul High School in Saginaw many years ago. It was an a cappella group and the arrangement had a slow tempo with rich harmonies and it was as if the world stood still when they performed it. When life seems to be disjointed, it is at times of prayer and in quiet moments, the peacefulness of those deep rich harmonies washes over me.
Even though I was hoping to be a math teacher, I am grateful the superiors decided it would be music instead. Music feeds our spirits since the goal is to find a blend of different voices into rich harmonious sounds which enlivens and uplifts others. Music was the perfect launch for the administrative positions I have held over the years working to create teams who support one another and appreciate the gifts of others to make a difference.
Living in community for seventy years has been an experience of joining with others to use the gifts we have been given to make a difference in the world. In the 70 years religious life has changed in many ways, but I am grateful for the thoughtful approach of the Grand Rapids Dominicans to methodically work to blend our gifts and talents to make a difference wherever we were sent.
Sr. Nathalie’s ministries include serving as Chair of the Las Casas Board, member of the the Aquinas College Board, and on the Dominican Sisters Grand Rapids Associates Committee. She also teaches a Graduate Course in Ethical Leadership.
Therese Rodriguez, OP
“Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it entered the heart of man, what God has prepared for them that love Him.”
~ I Corinthians 2:9
W70 Years
hat a blessing, I celebrate my 70th Jubilee with you, my Sisters, my family, and with the Church also celebrating a Year of Jubilee! I am pleased, but surprised that some 70 years have passed since I received the Dominican Habit and made my commitment to God as a Dominican Sister. I praise and thank God for these 70 years, they have been years of much joy and love.
Prayer is at the heart of Sr. Therese’s ministry and spiritual commitment.
Ever since I can remember, I have been surrounded by love: God’s love and people who love me. I have experienced great love from my family, many friends and Sisters in community. I am the oldest of 15 and my family is very important to me. The seed of my vocation was nourished by my loving and prayerful family.
I am now retired and have a special ministry of prayer. I have time to pray for the whole world, my family and friends, and all the people that ask for our prayers.
God’s faithfulness and love has given me the energy to serve with joy throughout these seventy years. I thank God, my family, and my Dominican Sisters who have helped me in my journey for these seventy years.
70 Years
Emilia Atencio, OP
T“Blessed be God who refused me not my prayers nor His kindness.”
~ Psalm 66:20
he Dominican Sisters taught in our parish of Santa Cruz, New Mexico, where I attended Holy Cross School, then Loretto Academy in Santa Fe. I felt I had a vocation and spoke to the Sisters; they gave me Mother Victor’s address so I could write to her. Mother Victor answered: go to Marywood by late August and get ready to attend Aquinas College.
It was hard for me to leave my family, friends, and home for a place I had never visited. I liked the spirituality of Marywood and my classmates, though I missed my family and friends. I continued to pray to do God’s will. The following May I entered the novice class. I took final vows and went on to become a teacher. I enjoyed teaching intermediate grades for 22 years.
In 1970, I returned to New Mexico to teach for 10 years at St. Anthony’s School in Pensacola. Bilingual and planning to start a senior citizen’s program, I responded to a pastor’s invitation in 1980 to serve at St. Francis Parish in Rancho de Taos. In 1990, I was assigned to Santa Fe’s Santa Maria de La Paz Parish. For my last mission, at St. Francis Cathedral, I became a docent for tourists and visitors from around the world. I am now preparing for my return to Marywood. God has been with me during my ministry and will continue to be with me in retirement.
Sr. Emilia cherishes her ministry as a docent where she passionately shared her love of both religion and art with countless visitors.
Mary Lucille Janowiak, OP
“God creates the World by empowering the World to make itself.”
~ Elizabeth A. Johnson, SSJ
G70 Years
iving praise to God, I am filled with awe as I continue to grow in awareness that I am part of God’s intricate and integral community of creation! That awareness has evolved thanks to the nurture, love, challenges, and support given by Mother Earth, my parents and family, my Community of Dominican Sisters and friends I have made along the way.
I savor the new life unfolding within and around me as I live the four Dominican pillars at this stage in my life.
• Engaging with committed companions in community.
• Discovering opportunities for learning and continued study.
• Deepening in faith through contemplative and liturgical prayer.
• Participating in mission through service according to my capacities.
My deceased classmate Ardeth Platte would say, why would not everyone want to become a Dominican Sister?
Throughout my journey, I have served in education, parish ministry, and environmental advocacy—each for approximately 20 years. Today, my commitment continues through environmental and social justice advocacy, working with others toward a more balanced world.
Accompanying my joy is sorrow for the suffering in our times. How will we use our God-given empowerment so that all creation may thrive?
Sr. Lucille also lends her time to The Sight Seer, a non-profit that provides audio access of printed materials to people with visual impairments. Beth VanProoyen and Sr. Lucille (top photo) select the next recorded book to edit, before Sr. Lucille dives into the editing process (bottom photo)!
70 Years
Rena Ruddy, OP
IBlessed and happy has been my religious life these past 70 years. I give heartfelt thanks to God, my community, family, and friends who have supported me on my journey.
was born in Flint, Michigan and attended St. Mary elementary and high school in Mt. Morris with IHM Sister teachers. After graduation I worked four years in various places in the Detroit area.
On a retreat, I came to know the Adrian Sisters, then I decided to visit the Sisters in Monroe. I decided to investigate the Dominican Sisters in Grand Rapids. Sister Therese Rodriguez showed me around, and I felt this was the place for me.
I attended Aquinas College, then taught the lower grades in seven different Catholic schools. When I helped my students enter a contest, one of them won first prize. Such a celebration followed!
Art is of great interest to me. I have enjoyed painting nature – trees, birds, waterfalls. I am part of the Dominican Institute of Art (DIA) where I have shown my artwork. Flower arranging is a pleasure; my arrangements can be found at Marywood and Aquinata Hall.
Sr. Rena enjoys crafting beautiful floral arrangements with creativity and care.
Travel opportunities in Ireland, the Holy Land, and California, created opportunities to share photos and stories of these adventures.
Angelina Gonzales, OP
“I
give You thanks, O Lord, with all my heart.”
~ Psalm 111
A70 Years
s I look back, I remember like it was yesterday, the day I left New Mexico, “the Land of Enchantment”, to enter the convent. I did not know what to expect. I was very scared and nervous; it was my first adventure travelling by train. I arrived at Marywood and was overwhelmed by the huge building and so many Sisters. That was 70 years ago. So much has happened since that day.
I was so blessed to minister in New Mexico: at two hospitals in the business office; as Director of Religious Education up north in Chama, Tierra Amarilla, and Los Ojos; and finally, as Director of Religious Education at Santa Cruz for 40 years. Then I left Santa Cruz for Marywood.
I have been so blessed all my life, and I thank God for all the blessings. I enjoyed all the people I have served and have learned much from all of them.
Sr. Angie enjoys helping to create dolls, animals, and bears to bring comfort and happiness to the children at Bethany Christian Services.
Sr. Angie leading a joyful celebration of “Las Posadas” at a parish family home in Santa Cruz, New Mexico.
Now, here at Marywood, I help with the activities such as making dolls and stuffing animals for children at Bethany Christian Services. I also help wherever needed.
I thank my dear parents, siblings, and my Dominican Community for their love and support.
I love music and I close with the words of the song You are Special. “Just live each day and trust in Me, for you are special and I love you.”
60 Years
Eva Silva, OP
AHow wonderful are Your works O Lord!
s a child I would sit for hours on my grandparents’ large stone steps in the backyard. Awed by the immense horizon and sky, I wondered what was behind and beyond. I was drawn to all that I could not see, filled with a deep longing. Years later as an 8th grader, unbeknownst to my parents, I wrote to Mother Victor asking to be accepted as an aspirant to which she replied that I was too young. A year later and another request I received a positive response. Leaving home was the “giant step” that led me to the present. In the blink of an eye, the child whose only nickname was “cabrita”, “little goat”, is now celebrating her 60th jubilee.
Love and grace have carried me through a multitude of living situations and ministries. My beloved Dominican Sisters, high school students, Holy Rosary parishioners, and clients I worked with as a psychotherapist the last 23 years of active ministry, have stretched and graced me beyond anything I could have imagined as the child on the stone steps. A family of deep faith and unconditional love grounded me. The support and love of friends and colleagues animated and blessed me, then and now. I swim in the ocean of gratitude.
Lucia Zapata, OP
Caminaré en presencia del Señor. I will walk in the presence of the Lord.
M60 Years
y journey of 60 years in the Dominican Order has been fruitful and challenging. I have met many people in all walks of life in my ministry, whether in teaching in parochial or public schools, in Hispanic ministry, or as a parish pastoral musician, or civic organizations. Each phase of my journey has challenged me to study, learn, and teach whomever I encounter in my life journey.
My path, sometimes, crosses over into the paths of people I have taught or spoken with in the past. I consider those moments of “grace”. Many times, we as teachers have no idea how our teaching has inspired students or individuals. People tell me things I said that helped them. I, personally, don’t remember. I just figure God said it, not I.
Sr. Lucia shares her gift of music with others strumming her guitar during liturgies.
As I continue this next phase of my pilgrimage, I reflect on the words of Pope Francis, “In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future will bring.” It is my hope that I will continue to walk in the presence of the Lord, appreciating the beauty of creation I see on my journey to blend our gifts and talents to make a difference wherever we were sent.
Caminaré en presencia del Señor.
60 Years
Carmen Rostar, OP
MWhen Jesus saw people leaving, he turned to the twelve and asked, “Do you also wish to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of everlasting life.” ~ John 6:67-69
This profound act of faith has guided me throughout my life as I have continually sought a deeper relationship with God.
y ministry began in education, teaching elementary grades before becoming a principal. I later transitioned to diocesan ministry and was eventually called to serve as a Pastoral Minister. After a sabbatical at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, I returned to Grand Rapids, embarking on a new and fulfilling ministry—teaching ESL for the Diocese. For 20 years I also served as Director of WORD~ESL, a role that expanded into preparing students for U.S. citizenship and attending their Oath Ceremonies—one of the most rewarding experiences of my ministerial life.
Throughout this journey, I was blessed to walk alongside my mentor and dear friend, Sr. Janice Mankowski, who shared many of my ministerial roles, including two decades in ESL and citizenship education. Sr. Joyce Ann Hertzig also joined us in ministry at GRCC for many years, further enriching our work.
One of the greatest gifts God has given me is the awareness of others’ needs and the ability to connect them with those who can help. This calling led me, along with three other Dominican Sisters, to begin our ministry at The Store House in 2023.
Words often fall short in expressing the gratitude I feel. From my parents and family to my community, friends, and students, I have been blessed and shaped by Christian values and service. I owe much to the many mentors within my Dominican Community who have guided me over these sixty years. My heart is full of gratitude—blessings to all!
Sisters Jarrett DeWyse, Joellen Barkwell, Carmen Rostar, and Doris Faber dedicate their time volunteering at The Store House.
Elizabeth Amman, OP
“How can I make a return to the Lord for all the good God has done for me?”
T50 Years
he years have flown by, and I know I have been blessed abundantly.
The first time I met a Dominican Sister was when I entered 2nd grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chesaning, Michigan. That experience seared in my brain and coming home from school that day I said to myself, “I want to be one of ‘those’ when I grow up.” God has led me down the path where I’ve experienced many things and a multitude of blessings.
In 1974, I entered the Grand Rapids Dominicans after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree at Aquinas College and a teaching certificate from the state of Michigan. I taught junior high in New Mexico and Michigan.
In 1982, I made final vows. 1983 was a most memorable year as the leadership team invited me to consider studying hospital and healthcare administration. I attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and earned a graduate degree in hospital and healthcare administration. I was blessed to work in rural areas in Kansas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. At all three locations there was a hospital, clinic, and nursing home facility.
I am also blessed to be a certified Spiritual Director and have enjoyed preaching.
Sister Elizabeth also provides valuable support to the Sisters at Aquinata Hall.
Barbara Reid, OP
I50 Years
“All I have seen teaches me to trust God for all I have not seen.”
wanted to be a Dominican Sister since I was six years old. I fell in love with the beautiful long, flowing, white habit of the Adrian Dominican Sisters who taught me from first through twelfth grade. The romantic notions of my childhood gave way to more serious reflection as a young adult. As a college student at Aquinas, I was deeply touched by the Sisters who taught me and nurtured my vocation. I was profoundly attracted to the spirit of joy they exuded.
Fifty years later, I am filled with gratitude for all the opportunities and challenges that have formed me: first as a High School Spanish and Religion teacher at St. Mary Cathedral in Saginaw, where the Vatican II vision of church became a reality for me and made a life-long impact. Then came the opportunity to do doctoral studies in Scripture at the Catholic University of America, after which I was privileged to join the faculty of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. I have been stretched into becoming a professor, Dean, and President at CTU, always conscious that none of what I have accomplished in my ministries would have been possible without the support and encouragement of the community. There are no words to express my feelings at this jubilee except overflowing gratitude and profound trust and joy.
Sr. Barbara at the 2023 Catholic Biblical Association meeting at Creighton University, showcasing the Wisdom Commentary series - the series for which she is General Editor. With her is Hans Christoffersen, Editorial Director of Liturgical Press (the publisher for Wisdom Commentary).
Psalm 117, one of my favorites, calls all people to praise God whose steadfast love and faithfulness endures forever. It is the closest biblical text I have found to match the saying I put on the cover of the worship aid for my final profession in 1980: “All I have seen teaches me to trust God for all I have not seen.”
Barbara Gordon Associate
The Dominicans were, and are, the light showing me the way home.
Dear Ones,
25 Years
Sisters and Associates and all of you who are born into a skin tent and still living on planet earth, I have been an Associate for twenty-five years and a searcher for 90 years.
It began with crying buckets with Sister Diane Zerfas and continued with crying more buckets with Sister Ann Walters. Somehow the sobbing helped me grow up into a person who loves to learn, loves people, and loves life.
As an Associate, I’ve spent countless hours studying, reading, attending workshops and classes, and learning contemplative prayer. These habits are now infused in my day-to-day life and make my life joyful at age 90. I feel I’m a Dominican.
As I write this, we are entering the season of Lent. I’ve been anointing my feet with foot powder, my blessed feet; a new practice for me this year.
Sr. Mario Pavoni and Barb Gordon share a laugh during breakout groups at the 2024 Chapter gathering.
The Sisters have helped me to thrive and to live more fully. My heart and spirit grew and sprouted in many directions of interest: music, arts, history, writings of famous people such as Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, Richard Rohr, Henry Nouwen, Thomas Merton, and the list goes on. The Dominicans were, and are, the light showing me the way home.
25 Years
Michael Wood Associate
I“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” ~ Matthew 25:40
feel I am called to be a servant and live out the Gospel more in deeds than in words and that’s why the scriptural quote has so much meaning for me. Serving those in need is serving God and having compassion and action towards all God’s people. I sensed a call back in 1974 when I entered the Diaconate formation program. I was first told I was too young to enter, but I went through the program anyway and was ordained in 1978 after a papal dispensation for not having met the minimum age requirement of 35. I knew I was doing the work of the Holy Spirit. For over 20 years I led communion services at Sr. Mary Magdalen so that people were able to hear the daily readings and reflection and receive the Eucharist.
The spiritual studies and development that I received from the Dominican Sisters, as well as Dominican spirituality, have had a profound impact on my personal and spiritual growth. The Dominican Spirituality practicum was a pivotal moment for me, fostering a deeper connection with God and others.
Prayer, contemplation, and introspection have been transformative, inviting me to continue growth in my faith.
Mike Wood with Sr. Diane Zerfas, Spirituality Program Coordinator at Dominican Center Marywood. The Spiritual Formation courses at Dominican Center have profoundly shaped Michael’s spiritual journey.
Our celebrants are contemplative, hope-filled disciples committed to the Word of God and the Holy Preaching.
They live with a passion for Truth and Justice following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
Their lives are a testimony to the Pillars of Dominican Life and Mission: Prayer. Community. Study. Service.
We remember with fondness the many Jubilarians who celebrate with us bathed in the glory of Eternal Life.
Let us celebrate the faithful service of these Jubilarians.
