The joyous celebration of the anniversaries of religious profession of 14 Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose --- many with connections to parishes and schools in the San Gabriel Region --- was observed May 24 at St. Joseph Church, Fremont.

Eleven of the jubilarians were able to be present for the special Eucharist, attended by 600 guests, with Oakland Bishop Emeritus John Cummins presiding and several priest friends of the Sisters concelebrating.

As homilist, Divine Word Father Michael Manning, president of Wordnet Television Productions of Riverside, expressed gratitude and appreciation for the Dominican Sisters' long and faithful service, which totaled 705 years.

"Sisters, we need you so much," Father Manning said. "Thank you for making Jesus present today to all you have touched over the years; you have touched so many in Jesus name. Continue to share your love so the Body of Christ can continue to shine out in you and through you."

After the homily, the Sisters renewed their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to Sister Gloria Marie Jones, Congregational Prioress. The jubilarians, with their local service in parentheses, include:

---Sister Jean Marie Des Jardins, 70 years, including Sacred Heart Elementary, St. Michael Elementary and High Schools, and Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy,

---Sister Antonia Leber 60 (Santa Teresita, Sacred Heart, San Gabriel Mission and St. Frances X Cabrini Elementary Schools).

---Sister Veronica Lonergan, 60 (Sacred Heart Elementary, and San Gabriel Mission and Flintridge Sacred Heart High Schools).

---Sister Mary Liam Brock, 50 (St. Michael High School).

---Sister Mara Anne Palomares, 50 (St. Ignatius and San Gabriel Mission Elementary Schools).

---Sister Brigid Bray, 50 (St. Ignatius and San Gabriel Mission Elementary Schools).

---Sister Jeanne Harris, 50 (Santa Teresita Elementary School and Flintridge Sacred Heart and St. Michael High Schools).

---Sister Cecilia Soberon, 50 (St. Frances X. Cabrini and Santa Teresita Elementary Schools).

---Sister Mary Ybarra, 25 (Flintridge Sacred Heart and St. Michael High Schools).

---Sister Madeline Marie Nabonne, 25.

---Sister Luz Maria Quintero Reyes, 25.

Three sisters from Germany, Sisters Ludovika Sewald and Mechtildis Okos (70 years) and Sister Bernadette Huber (50 years), were unable to attend the celebration in Fremont, but they were warmly remembered by their sisters and friends.