On June 22, 2013 another big feast came about in the Delegature of the Swizz Pallottine Sisters. Sr. Hermenegild Dörig from Niederuzwil and Sr. Adelhilde Rumpf from Bernhardzell celebrated their diamond Jubilee of profession. This time the festive community gathered in Gossau, Canton St. Gallen.
To the Eucharistic Celebration in the Vincent Pallotti Chapel of the Friedberg Secondary School the Pallottine Sisters were joined by a group of relatives of Sr. Hermenegild from Appenzell; Sr. Adelhilde´s only sister, was not able to be present due to her age and health condition. Among the festive assembly were also the president of the Swizz National Coordination Council of the UAC, Miss Melanie Dähler and, to the special joy of all, the Superior General of the Pallottine Sisters, Sr. Izabela Świerad, together with her two Councillors Sr. Stella Holisz and Sr. Maria Landsberger from Rome.
The festive Mass was presided over by the provincial of the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers, Fr. Adrian Willi SAC and Fr. Boppard, his long year collegue as Diocesan judge concelebrated. In his sermon permeated with Pallottine spirit Fr. Willi said to the jubilarian Sisters: “60 years ago you might have categorically rejected the thought of becoming a collaborator of God: What a presumption, what haughtiness! And yet, it was exactly that what you decided for. Through your ministry in the world, through your love for people something of the Love of God has been manifested in this world – Epiphany! … I have come to know you as efficient, realistic, practical, humorous and human Sisters. You have brought along with you good equipment: trust in God, love for the world, love for people.”
The two sisters then renewed their vows. Vibrant singing of the assembly and the dynamic organ music of Sr. Hermenegilde´s nephew contributed to the beauty of this solemn celebration.
During the pauses of the ensuing banquet wishes, witty anecdotes and Appenzell yodellers were presented. From the words all could read the faith and high esteem for the life witness of the two sisters. Sr. Izabela thanked Fr. Adrian and the whole assembly in warm words for the vivacious Holy Mass saying: “I believe that each one of us was strengthened and came forth different from the celebration.” She congratulated the jubilarians and thanked them for their faithfulness to God and the Pallottine Charism and for their life-long commitment for the people and Church.
At the end Sr. Hermenegild gave thanks to all, also in the name of Sr. Adelhild, and turned out to be a good story teller, when she shared some details from her early years as a sister.
This cheerful celebration was an eloquent witness for all, showing that faith unites and that a life, built upon God, comes off.
