Sisters, brothers and priests from religious communities throughout the archdiocese who are celebrating jubilees in 2016 came together for an annual Mass in their honor at Mount Notre Dame in Cincinnati Oct. 15.

Celebrated by Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr, the Mass recognized the faith of the women and men religious who have dedicated their lives to serving God and God’s people for 25, 50, 60, 70 or 75 years.

During the liturgy, the jubilarians renewed their commitment to their baptismal call and received scrolls from Archbishop Schnurr thanking them for their years of service.

In his homily, the archbishop referred to the jubilarians “exemplary followers of Jesus, who not only know about Jesus; they know Him. They have been with Him on the journey.”

“God has given us a mighty gift in the powerful testimony of their religious lives,” he added. “It is our honor to be with them today, recognizing such a milestone…and gift to the church. We are grateful for their witness, their perseverance and service. With our love and prayerful best wishes, we ask the Lord’s special blessing upon them. In a very real and concrete way, right in front of us is today’s homily, a living homily, enfleshed in these jubilarians.”