“This is a wonderful occasion to have fun, socialize and to be in gratitude,” said Sr. Mary Frances Coleman, RSM, Director of the Office of Consecrated Life.
The Sisters Devoted to the Sacred Heart, the religious community that runs the camp, organized the event as a way to celebrate the Year of Consecrated Life. Religious men and women from various communities present in the diocese came to enjoy the day.
“Today’s Psalm says, ‘The Lord takes delight in his people.’ I hope that all of you, during this Year of Consecrated Life, are able to reflect on how much God takes delight in you,” said Father Rafael Partida, Episcopal Vicar for the Riverside Pastoral Region of the Diocese.
In his homily, Fr. Partida reflected on the role religious communities have on the Church, praising them for responding to the needs of the time.
“Many of you left your part of the country or your country and left the potential you could have had in careers and gave it to God and his Church in consecrated life,” Fr. Partida said. “I hope you see that you are the people that God takes delight in. I hope that today, in your time of camaraderie, we celebrate that.”
Following the Mass and luncheon, the participants were free to spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the grounds of the camp. Some played ping-pong, while others went for nature walks or toured the campus.
“For me, I love to see the different congregations. It’s so beautiful. We need to do this more often,” said Sister Lorreta Raas.