Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

At a recent Mass held in Samuels, Kentucky, 33 religious sisters and brothers were honored for their jubilee milestones, with Sister of Charity of Nazareth Evelyn Hurley being recognized for an impressive 90 years of religious life. Sister Hurley, at 108 years old, is believed to be the second oldest religious sister in the United States.

During the Mass, Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre emphasized the importance of community, stating, "We were created for life in community." He drew on the Gospel reading of the day, which tells the story of a leper seeking healing from Jesus, to highlight how hope can be found in the boldness of both the leper and Jesus. He encouraged the congregation to go beyond their feelings of unworthiness and shame, as Jesus desires to touch and bring cleansing to those areas of their lives.

The archbishop also praised the religious celebrating jubilees for their commitment to living their lives for God's glory and their dedication to bringing the healing of Christ to others through their ministries. Sister Hurley, in particular, was highlighted as a source of support and guidance for those in need. Speaking about Sister Hurley, family friend Kendal Hunter expressed gratitude for her unwavering support during difficult times, saying, "Through the tough times I went through losing my mother, she was always strong for me, reminding me that God's always there for us."

Sister of Charity of Nazareth Luke Boiarski described Sister Hurley as "a grand lady" and praised her positive outlook on life. Sister Hurley herself attributed her longevity to God, her positive attitude, and her community. She spent 60 years as an elementary school teacher and continued an active ministry of visiting the sick and attending wakes and funerals even after retiring at the age of 80.

In addition to Sister Hurley, 32 other religious sisters and a brother were honored for their jubilee years at the Mass. The event included a vow renewal for the attending religious and a reading of their names. The celebrations brought together all men and women religious in the Archdiocese of Louisville.

The jubilee milestones of these religious individuals serve as a reminder of their deep commitment to their faith and their dedication to serving others. They embody the idea that living life in community and following the teachings of Jesus can bring hope, healing, and a sense of purpose to both themselves and those around them.