Anniversary Celebration in North Haledon – SEC

North Haledon (United States of America). On 13 July 2025, in the Chapel of St. Joseph Province of United States East and Canada (SEC) in North Haledon, New Jersey, thirteen Daughters of Mary Help of Christians celebrated the anniversaries of religious profession: two 25^th, one 50^th, five 60^th, three 65^th, two 70^th.

Mons. Kevin J. Sweeney, Bishop of Paterson, presided over the Eucharistic Celebration, concelebrated by the Provincial of Saint Philip the Apostle Province (SUE), Fr. Dominic Tran, SDB, and several Salesians of Don Bosco and diocesan priests of the Diocese of Paterson.

Numerous FMA, SDB, and the families of the jubilarians were present, as well as the Provincial, Sister Colleen Clair, who accompanied them in the renewal of their vows at the altar of the Chapel.

In his homily, Bishop Sweeney underlined that the Anniversaries of the thirteen FMAs occur during the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, which the universal Church is celebrating. He thus defined the Holy Mass for the Jubilarians “an opportunity to celebrate and give thanks for their life of hope and love, for their commitment and their generosity.”

On behalf of all of them, Sister Mary Anne Zito, who celebrates her 65th, addressed the assembly, first of all thanking Bishop Sweeney for presiding and all the priests for concelebrating the Eucharist. She then thanked the Provincial and the Sisters who organized the Mass and the moment of celebration that followed.

In her words, Sister Mary Anne reminded the FMA of their Christocentric impact on other people:

“Somewhere, somehow, even after many years, or perhaps now right in this chapel, someone is remembering your enlightening word or your kind gesture that still gratefully remains in their memory, heart, and life.”

Article source and photos: The Beacon

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