Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Two saints connected to the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters, also known as the "Pink Sisters," were honored during a public Mass on Sunday, October 5, at Christ the King Chapel in Lincoln. The event marked the anniversary of the canonization of St. Arnold Janssen and St. Joseph Freinademetz, who were declared saints on October 5, 2003.

The Pink Sisters community in Lincoln includes Sr. Mary Cecilia, superior; Sr. Juanita Marie; Sr. Mary Mikaelis; Sr. Mary Confirma; and Sr. Maria Trinitas.

Typically, Sunday Masses at Christ the King Chapel are private, with only the daily 7 a.m. Mass open to the public. However, Bishop James Conley granted permission for this anniversary celebration to be open to all due to its significance.

St. Arnold Janssen founded the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) in 1875 in Steyl, Netherlands. He also established two religious orders for women: the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters (Blue Sisters) and their contemplative branch, the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters (Pink Sisters). Today, more than 6,000 SVD members serve in over 70 countries.

St. Joseph Freinademetz was among the first SVD priests sent to China and faced many challenges as a missionary there before dying of typhus while ministering to patients.

Father Thomas Au from the Diocese of Lincoln presided over the anniversary Mass and shared his personal experiences with both congregations. He recalled serving at a Beatification Mass in Philadelphia in 1975 when he was a seminarian.

Following Mass, attendees gathered for a light reception in an adjacent room where they met with members of the Pink Sisters community.

For additional information about these saints or arranging group presentations at Christ the King Chapel, interested parties may contact Joan Tasler by phone or email.