Sisters celebrating anniversaries and others, in the back row, from left, Deacon LeRoy Andrews, Father Victor Lanuevo, Sister Francis Regis Hadano, Sister Frances Therese Souza, Sister Jeanne Weisbeck, general councilor of the Sisters of St. Francis, Blessed Sacrament Father John Keenan, Marianist Father George Cernuglia. In front, Cecily Kikukawa, Sister Marion Kikukawa, Sister Stephen Marie Serrao and Sister Helen Agnes Ignacio. (Photo courtesy of Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP)
Five Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, Hawaii and the South West regions, who this year are marking their 50th and 70th jubilees of investiture, celebrated those milestones on March 18, with a Mass at their Manoa convent chapel, followed by dinner and entertainment.
The five religious women’s commitment to service of God’s people totaled 310 years.
Celebrating 70 years were Sister Francis Regis Hadano, Sister Helen Agnes Ignacio and Sister Stephen Marie Serrao. Marking 50 years were Sister Marion Kikukawa and Sister Frances Therese Souza.
Family and friends from Oahu, the Big Island, Molokai and California joined in the festivities. Blessed Sacrament Father John Keenan was the main celebrant and homilist. He preached about God’s covenant with his people and the faithfulness of the sisters to their covenant with their Bridegroom.
Concelebrating were Marianist Father George Cerniglia and Father Victor Lanuevo. Deacon LeRoy Andrews assisted.
Dinner entertainment was provided by Kuuipo Kumukahi and Caren Aiu.
Afterward the meal, comedian Frank De Lima, a longtime friend of the sisters, brought smiles and laughter to all as he recounted life experiences.