Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

The Diocese of Orlando has recognized five religious sisters for their milestone jubilee anniversaries, celebrating a combined 315 years of service. The sisters have contributed to the community through education, work with immigrants, and care for people with disabilities.

Sister Gail Grimes, a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, began her service in Apopka over 50 years ago by supporting African American farmworkers. She emphasized listening to the community before taking action. "I did not start by telling people what to do," said Sister Grimes. Instead, she “tried to listen.” Her involvement led to the creation of a community health center and a credit union for those unable to access traditional bank loans. She believes that spirituality and social justice are connected: "It was very clear to me that they were very spiritual in their approach to life and their trust in God." Later, she and her fellow sisters advocated for immigrant farmworkers’ rights and established an advocacy office. Sister Grimes reflected on her decades of service: “A sense of humor and celebration has helped us through many hard times. God meant us to be happy.”

Sister Frances Sampson felt called to serve as a student at Barry University in Miami. Her career included teaching at Good Shepherd School in Orlando and working as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. She directed Sun-Up (Special Unlimited United People), serving individuals with mental and physical limitations for 30 years. She also supported women and children at Harbor House in Jacksonville. When asked about her calling, Sister Sampson said: “Service.”

Sister Deling Fernando’s commitment began as a child in the Philippines. She joined the Sisters of Providence in Washington and spent decades serving rural communities in Montana, Idaho, and Washington. Her dream to bring her order to the Philippines was realized when she helped establish it there. In Florida, she worked at Holy Redeemer Parish in Kissimmee and later served at parishes in St. Cloud and Orlando. “To have God alive in peoples’ hearts,” is how she describes her mission. She finds meaning when she hears gratitude from those she helps: “Thank you sister for helping make me aware that God loves me so much.” She also values the message at Mass: “Go in peace and serve the Lord.”

Sister Patricia Sipan met the Sisters of Notre Dame as a student in Cleveland. After entering religious life in 1965, she taught at Catholic schools in Ohio and Florida, including St. Mary Magdalen School in Altamonte Springs and St. Joseph School in Winter Haven. For over two decades she has worked at Resurrection Parish in Winter Garden as director of faith formation and regional advocate for the tribunal. “There’s an energy that comes from my spirituality,” said Sister Sipan. She encourages those discerning a vocation: “Try it. Experience it and if it fits, God’s saying, ‘I want you here.’”

Sister Maria Diem Nguyen was born in Vietnam and first considered religious life at age 14 after meeting ICM Sisters at her parish.

The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968 and includes 79 parishes across nine counties in Central Florida under the leadership of Bishop James Noonan.