Benedictine sisters celebrate golden jubilee

Benedictine Sisters Joanne Mastrogiacomo and Eileen Simms celebrated their golden jubilee, 50 years of monastic profession, Oct. 11 at the Carmelite Monastery Chapel in Towson.

Father Joseph L. Muth Jr., a good friend and “brother” of the community and pastor of St. Matthew in Northwood, presided over the eucharistic liturgy. Benedictine Sister Kathleen White, prioress, presided over the monastic rite. Each sister then renewed her monastic commitment of stability, fidelity to the monastic life and obedience – the traditional Benedictine vows. A reception was held at the sisters’ Emmanuel Monastery in Lutherville following the liturgy.

Guests at the celebration included sisters from St. Walburga Monastery in Elizabeth, N.J., and St. Gertrude Monastery in Ridgely, Md., their “grandmother” house.