Franciscan Sister Celebrates 50th Jubilee

August 7, 2004 (Pocatello, Idaho) - Mother Mona Brunner, FSE, celebrated 50 years of vowed religious life amid the joy and support of her community and friends. About 150 people attended the jubilee Mass in St. Joseph Chapel in Pocatello and the reception afterward at Family Life Center. The Mass was concelebrated by the Reverends Aenrique, Cook and DiLiretto from the combined Pocatello parishes, along with the Very Reverend Douglas Mosey, CSB, of Cromwell, Connecticut.

Mother Mona entered the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 1951 and made her first vows in 1954. She taught in a number of the order's school for many years. She is a founding member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist and has served as a member of the General Council for 18 years. She led the Sisters in founding the Franciscan center in Pocatello and also began the Franciscan Counseling Center where she has provided counseling services since its beginning. Mother Mona currently serves in Senior Adult Ministry, helping elderly persons of all faiths to develop their spirituality and to recognize the gifts they have to offer. She is also the chief bread baker for the Franciscan center.

In his homily, Father Mosey spoke of the essential role of religious men and women in the world today. Mother Mona's life, he said, was an example of the goodness and beauty of a commitment lived in response to a call. For her part, Mother Mona feels "overwhelmed with gratitude" for all that has been. She is increasingly aware that religious communities have a responsibility to be a sign that continued growth and commitment is necessary for everyone. With joy, she can say "yes" to all that is to come in her life.