Homily for the Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession of Celine Kelly
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
Matthew 14:22–33
Golden Jubilee of Consecrated Life
Thanksgiving
A phobal Dé,
Today is a day of profound thanksgiving. We gather in this beautiful parish of Tubber or Kilkeedy, All Saints Church, Boston, at the edge of the Burren in North Clare, to give thanks to Almighty God for fifty years of faithful consecrated life lived by one of its own daughters. Fifty years ago, Celine Kelly responded generously to the call of Christ, offering her life entirely to Him in the service of the Church as a consecrated woman through the society of consecrated life, Regnum Christi, the Legionaries of Christ.
What a journey those fifty years have been—from these limestone fields and quiet country roads of Boston-Tubber to the sacred soil of Jerusalem, where she now ministers at the Magdala Retreat Centre, welcoming pilgrims from every corner of the world to encounter Christ on the shores where He once walked.
Vocation Story
It is a remarkable story, but at its heart it is the story of every vocation: Jesus calls, someone listens, and with courage says, “Yes.”
Gospel of the Day
Today’s Gospel could scarcely be more appropriate.
The disciples find themselves tossed about by the wind and waves in the middle of the night. Their confidence has evaporated. Fear has taken hold. Then Jesus comes towards them, walking across the water, saying those unforgettable words:
“Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”
Those words have echoed down through every generation of Christian disciples.
A Personal Journey
I imagine they have echoed many times in Celine’s own life.
The first time she left Tubber as a young woman to begin religious life.
The first time she crossed continents.
The moments of loneliness that every missionary knows.
The challenges of living and ministering in the Holy Land, a place so rich in grace but also marked by conflict, uncertainty and suffering.
The changing needs of the Church over five decades.
Again and again Christ says:
“Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”
Those are not simply comforting words. They are the very foundation of every Christian vocation.
Peter hears them and, in one of the most extraordinary moments in the Gospels, asks permission to leave the safety of the boat.
“Lord, if it is you, command me to come.”
And Jesus simply says:
“Come.”
Peter walks on the water—not because of his own strength, but because his eyes are fixed on Jesus. It is only when he notices the wind that fear returns and he begins to sink.
Perhaps that is one of the finest descriptions of the religious life.
A religious vocation is, in many ways, stepping out of the boat.
Leaving behind certainty.
Trusting the voice of Christ.
Walking where others might never think to go.
Keeping one’s eyes fixed on Him, especially when the winds grow strong.
For fifty years Celine has continued to say “yes” to that invitation.
Not only once at profession, but every single day afterwards.
That daily fidelity is perhaps the greatest miracle of all.
Magdala Retreat Centre
Today we also think of Magdala.
How fitting that her ministry is there.
Magdala, home of St Mary Magdalene, the first witness of the Resurrection. It is a place where pilgrims encounter the Gospel not as history but almost as present reality. There people pray beside the Sea of Galilee, reflect upon the Beatitudes, and remember that Christ still calls people today just as surely as He called fishermen two thousand years ago.
Our jubilarian has become one of those quiet witnesses who helps others hear that call.
She has welcomed strangers.
Accompanied pilgrims.
Listened to stories.
Prayed with those seeking hope.
Given countless hidden acts of kindness known only to God.
The greatest part of religious life is often invisible.
It is measured less by achievements than by faithfulness.
This is especially true today, when the Holy Land carries such deep wounds. Every prayer offered there becomes a prayer for peace. Every welcome extended becomes a sign that Christ has not abandoned His people. Every act of hope becomes a quiet proclamation that love remains stronger than hatred.
We are immensely proud that one of the daughters of Tubber is part of that mission.
Reflection on our own Vocation Call
Today’s celebration is also an occasion for all of us to reflect upon our own vocation.
Not everyone is called to religious life.
But every one of us is called to step out of the boat at some point.
Parents do so when they welcome children.
Married couples do so through lifelong fidelity.
Priests do so in their ministry.
Young people do so whenever they trust God with their future.
Older people do so whenever illness or frailty asks them to surrender once more into God’s hands.
Again and again Christ says:
“Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”
Those words are especially needed in our own time.
Many people worry about the future of faith.
Some wonder whether vocations will continue.
Others carry anxiety for their families or for the state of our world.
Assurance of the Gospel
Today’s Gospel reminds us that Christ has never left the boat of His Church.
He still comes to us across every storm.
He still stretches out His hand.
He still invites us to trust Him.
This Golden Jubilee is proof that His grace is sufficient.
It is also a reminder that every vocation begins in a family and in a parish.
No vocation grows in isolation.
We give thanks today for Celine’s parents and family, Fr. Eamon’s powerful brotherly support, for the people of Tubber who nurtured her faith, for the priests and teachers who encouraged her, and for her religious congregation who have journeyed with her over these fifty years.
Celine!
Finally, dear Celine,
On behalf of the Diocese of Killaloe, your native parish, your family and friends, thank you.
Thank you for believing the Lord’s invitation.
Thank you for your fidelity.
Thank you for your prayer.
Thank you for carrying the faith of this parish all the way to Jerusalem.
May the Lord who first called you continue to strengthen you.
May Our Lady, who herself trusted completely in God’s plan, remain close to you.
And may the words that have accompanied your life continue to echo in your heart every day:
“Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”
Amen.
Solemn Episcopal Blessing for a Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession
Dear friends,
As we prepare to conclude this Eucharistic celebration, let us thank Almighty God once again for the wonderful gift of fifty years of faithful consecrated life lived by Celine. We rejoice with her family, her religious community, her many friends, and all who have been touched by her generous service in the Church, especially in the Holy Land.
Let us pray.
God of everlasting love,
you called your servant
from her home here in Tubber
to follow your Son
in the consecrated life.
You have sustained her
through joys and sacrifices,
through times of peace
and times of uncertainty,
always encouraging her with the words:
“Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”
Continue to strengthen her
with the grace of your Holy Spirit.
Renew each day
the joy of her first “yes”
and deepen her love for Christ
and for the people entrusted to her care.
Bless the Legionaries of Christ
and all who share in their mission.
Bless the pilgrims whom she welcomes
to the sacred places of Jerusalem and Galilee,
that their hearts may be renewed
by an encounter with the living Lord.
Bless her family,
whose faith first nurtured her vocation,
especially those gathered here today.
Reward them for every sacrifice,
every prayer,
and every encouragement
that has supported her along the way.
Bless this parish of Tubber,
which continues to give generous witness
to the faith handed down through generations.
May new vocations to priesthood,
religious life,
marriage,
and committed Christian discipleship
continue to flourish among its people.
And now, dear friends,
bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing.
May the Lord, who has begun the good work in us,
bring it to fulfilment in Christ Jesus.
May Christ, the Good Shepherd,
who called his servant to follow him,
keep all of us faithful to our own vocation.
May the Holy Spirit,
who strengthens us in every storm,
fill our hearts with courage,
peace,
and enduring hope.
May Mary, Mother of the Church,
Our Lady of the Assumption,
and Mary Magdalene,
faithful witness of the Resurrection,
pray for us
and accompany us always.
And may the blessing of Almighty God,
the Father ✠, and the Son ✠, and the Holy Spirit ✠,
come down upon you
and remain with you for ever.
Amen.
Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your lives.