ASTON, Pa. — Several women religious who served in the Diocese of Wilmington were among 17 jubilarians who marked 50, 70, 75 and 80 years of religious life on June 12 with the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. During a liturgy at Our Lady of Angels Convent, the sisters – with 1,065 years of combined service – renewed their vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience.
Two of the diamond jubilarians, celebrating 75 years of profession, ministered in the Diocese of Wilmington. Sister Elizabeth Joseph Doyle was principal of St. John the Beloved School in Wilmington and also spent 10 years as a pastoral visitor at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in New Castle. She has lived in Assisi House, the congregation’s retirement residence, since 2010.
Sister Kathleen Tobin, formerly Sister Oliveria Joseph, began her years in ministry in Wilmington, teaching kindergarten and CCD at St. Anthony of Padua Parish and school. She also served in local house ministry at St. Patrick Convent. Sister Kathleen also lives at Assisi House.
Three golden jubilarians have ties to the diocese. Sister Bernadette Brazil, formerly Sister Colum, currently ministers at St. Francis Hospital, where she volunteers in day surgery, maternity and the emergency room. She spent most of her years in ministry on the west coast.
Sister Jean Margaret McDevitt currently lives in Assisi House and volunteers in the congregational communications office. In Wilmington, she was vice president of mission and ministry at St. Francis Hospital.
Sister Marilyn Clare Sands taught at St. Ann School in Wilmington and Immaculate Conception School in Elkton, Md. Formerly Sister James Miriam, she is now an intervention specialist with the drug-prevention program at the Philadelphia-based Shalom Inc., a position she has held since 1996.
