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Monsignor
John Torney - Ordained May 3, 1939
 As
a retired priest about to celebrate 60 years of ordination on May 3, 1999,
I thank God not only for the great gift of the priesthood, but also the
health to continue to do priestly work in retirement. As both a parish
priest for most of these years, and an Army Chaplain in World War II, I
can't think of no better way to spend one's life than to be an instrument
of God's grace. To exercise the powers of the priesthood by bringing God's
presence in the Mass to the People of God. To reconcile soldiers as they
went off to meet their maker.
To go from the much more simple way of life in the family in which I was
reared in an atmosphere of spirituality where life revolved around the
parish and the parochial school where we were taught moral values by
example, to today's world was quite an experience both in the Church and
in the world. But with God's grace and the Holy Father's leadership, we
approach the millennium full of hope for the Holy Spirit will give us the
gifts to guide us. Yes, all too often Christ whispers, but the world
shouts and all I can say to the young people of today: If you hear His
voice, harden not your heart.
Written September, 1998
Deacon Luke J. Hally - Ordained a Deacon May 31,
1980
When I was asked by my pastor in 1975 to consider becoming a deacon, I was
puzzled because I had no idea what a deacon was. When I later found out
what a deacon was/does, I was delighted and said yes! It "fit in"
beautifully with the feeling that the Lord was always calling me to do
something of service with his people. No matter what parish I was in, from
the time I left college, I was always involved somehow with helping that
parish, and I always enjoyed serving the people.
Ordained some nineteen years now, I love being a deacon because I know
that it is the Lord's will for me. Being of service to others is a calling
all of us have, and I feel that I best fulfill that calling in my
diaconate. Yes, there have been times when I have felt overworked or
over-challenged in my diaconate, but I have gotten much more out of
serving others than I have given. I feel close to the Lord and His people
because of it. I could not live my life without the diaconate.
Written January, 1999
Brother Robert Ziobro, Brother of the Sacred
Heart - Final Profession on August 15, 1970
As I reflect back after 35 years as to what my Brotherhood means to me, I
believe I can offer some insight into the life of a Brother of the Sacred
Heart. First, Brothers have a deep commitment to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
-- to follow him and to bring his love to others as we minister to and
minister with. We live in community which helps us, encourages us, and
challenges us to be the best example and model of Jesus that we can be.
Lastly, a Brother of the Sacred Heart draws his strength from the daily
celebration of the Eucharist and his Prayer life. This is in essence what
says to us and to people that God is most important in our life.
Written January, 1999
Sister Anna Marie Saltzman, RSM - Sister of Mercy
Why I am a Sister of Mercy? The answer to this question is a wonder to me,
as I never knew the Sisters of Mercy when I was growing up. I was
attracted to Sisters because I experienced the Sisters who served in the
parishes to which I belonged. They were women who loved God, one another,
and people as they showed this through their dedication, service and
happiness. When I met the Sisters of Mercy through a friend, at the age of
20, something inside of me seemed to ignite, as a flame to a wick. That
flame has continued to burn even more deeply as time has gone by. I know
now that the initial attraction to Sisters was God's way of getting my
attention. The interior flame was God's way of inviting me to join in the
mission of Jesus, to assist in the furthering of God's reign of justice
and peace for all people as it is enfleshed in and through the community
of the Sisters of Mercy.
Through my life in Mercy, there have been personal and professional
opportunities, varied experiences in ministry, mutual support and
commitment of my Sisters, family and the many friendships which have
developed along the way. All of which has and continues to contribute to
my growth in the person God is calling me to be. Being a Sister hasn't
always been easy, no way of life is, but the truth is I'm happy. It is
where I've experienced God actively present around, in and through me and
not only drawing me to fullness of life, but drawing others as well. This
continues to cause me to wonder and delight in the Mercy and Fidelity of
God.
Written January, 1999
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