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February, 2020
A Time of Jubilee for Sr Veneral Nicolosi; Celebrating Our Lives
Lived with Joy and Gratitude 
On Saturday 5th August a gathering was held at St. Angela’s, Castle Hill to celebrate 50 years of Sr. Venera’s religious profession as an Ursuline sister. The time of Jubilee is seen as providing a space from the regular activity of each day in order to recall the graciousness of God throughout the journey of life. Many Ursuline sisters, family and friends joined with Venera in thanksgiving.
The site chosen for the gathering, held fond memories for Venera and provided a fitting symbol for her long years of dedicated work in education. It was appropriate to have Bishop Vincent Long (Bishop of the Diocese of Parramatta) leading the Eucharistic celebration. In their respective roles of Parish priest and Principal, Vincent and Venera together pioneered the establishment of St. Angela’s. For both, returning to this place had a sense of homecoming, as memories of the greenfield site with all its promise were shared.
Pictured above: Harrison Lee with Sr Venera & his grandmother
As a prelude to the ceremony, Michael Faccin, a teacher of indigenous heritage from Xavier College, Llandilo acknowledged country both in music and word. The Liturgy in commencing with a sprinkling rite, invited all present to be renewed in the grace of Baptism. The reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians followed. It celebrated the diversity of gifts given by the Spirit and reminded us of our oneness in Christ. The Gospel reading of the Beatitudes proclaimed as blessed all those who live guided by the Spirit.
Pictures below from left: Michael Faccin, Sr Mel Williams with Bishop Vincent Long & Sr Therese Brennan
Following Bishop Vincent’s encouraging and thought provoking homily, Venera invited all those present to reflect on the blessings of their lives lived with gratitude. In this context Venera renewed her commitment to continue to be a living expression of Christ’s love in our world today as an Ursuline sister. The Liturgy of the Eucharist culminated in our sharing in the body and blood of Christ as we affirmed our communal identity of being One Body in Christ Jesus.
The whole liturgy was joyfully animated by a professional Liturgical music group of several teachers from the schools in the Parramatta Diocese. Following the Liturgy the band provided a seamless link to the second part of the celebration by playing some of Venera’s favourite songs from the 70’s and 80’s.
Pre-dinner refreshments and drinks were served in the beautiful garden area of St. Angela’s school before all the guests returned to the Hall for a meal together.
During the meal students from the Hospitality group at Xavier College, Llandilo waited on all at the tables.
As a special gift to Venera and her guests, Harrison Lee an ex-student of Venera’s from St. Angela’s and now a student in his final year at the Royal Academy of Ballet in London, performed one of his winning dance routines.
Just prior to the cutting of the Jubilee cake Sr. Ruth Durick (Province Leader; Australian Ursulines) shared some thoughts on Jubilee reminding us that it is both an invitation and celebration. She noted that Venera had taken this special moment in her life to invite us all to a stance of gratitude for the gift of life, the gift of love and the gift of joy.
