Above: The 2026 Religious Jubilarians pose together after the May 12 Mass at Immaculate Conception in Fayetteville.
Twenty-three men and women of various religious orders in the Syracuse Diocese are celebrating their jubilees this year. Bishop Douglas J. Lucia was the main celebrant at the May 12 Mass honoring these devoted individuals who continue to place love and service above all else in their lives.
To recognize these milestone years — as few as 25, as many as 75, and several in between — the bishop noted that collectively they have been “showing forth the Good News that is Jesus Christ … for [more than] 1,350 years.”
“Words cannot sufficiently express my gratitude, nor that of the local churches and the Church universal, that you have served and continue to serve by stepping out on the Word of God and sharing its power,” he continued in his homily. “Through your profession of the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience, you have sought to let Jesus’ commandment to ‘love one another as I love you’ (Jn 13:34) be known through you as a living gospel for all people to hear.”
75 years
Sr. Jean Canora, OSF
Sister Jean has ministered in numerous ways and in locations throughout New York state, in Hawaii, and in Watertown, South Dakota, during her life, serving in many capacities. In health care, she served as a staff nurse in many hospitals, health care centers, and schools; in community service as a local superior; as a pastoral associate and as director of pastoral care; as a consultant for pastoral care for Catholic Charities of New York; as a diocesan and parish coordinator of homebound ministry; as a moderator of community service at the Motherhouse in Hastings-on-Hudson; and as the museum marketing assistant at the St. Marianne Cope Shrine and Museum in Syracuse. She retired in January of 2026 and now resides at the Franciscan Villa.
Sr. Virgilia Jim, OSF
Sister Virgilia attributes the movement of her life journey — conversion from Buddhism to Catholicism, a vocation to religious life as a Sister of St. Francis, progression from art teacher to holistic spirituality for peace educator, and now a Franciscan presence in retirement — to an awareness of and response to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
“I thank God that in my retirement, I am still able to reflect and move about,” Sister said. “I live a quiet life, practicing awareness of the presence and goodness of God in my life.”
Sr. Alma Pukel, OSF
Sister Alma is a retired operating room supervisor and emergency room nurse. She is a Eucharistic minister and a volunteer visitor to the Nativity Household at the Franciscan Villa.
“My religious life started as a Sister of St. Francis of the Providence of God and now as a Franciscan of the Neumann Communities in Syracuse.”
Sr. Monica Nortz, CSJ
Sister Monica served in many ministries in education and pastoral ministry. She is now retired.
“As a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, I am truly blessed to have been able to stand on the shoulders of the great, valiant women who have gone before me.”
70 years
Rev. Robert Amrhein, OFM (no information available)
Sr. Grace Michael Souza, OSF
Sister Grace has served in the ministry of education as a teacher and as a principal in schools in Fulton, Mattydale, North Syracuse, and Syracuse, as well as in Camden, New Jersey. Additionally, she ministered as a teacher, principal, and regional council member in Hawaii. Since 2020, she has served in community service and as a pastoral minister at the Franciscan Villa in Syracuse, where she continues to minister.
“Work with children brought me closer to God,” she said. “I feel joy when, with God’s help, I [am] able to help children and adults get closer to God. I have been so blessed by God, who spoils me daily with His love!”
65 years
Sr. Donald Corcoran, OSB, Cam
Sister Donald ministered as the head of the Master of Arts program at St. Louis University from 1976 to 1979 and as the co-director of the Institute for Religious Formation during the same time period. In 1979, she founded Transfiguration Monastery in Windsor, New York, where she continues to live and minister. Additionally, she served for 35 years as an instructor in the Deacon Formation Program for the Diocese of Syracuse and taught a two-year course in spirituality. The Vatican requested her to engage in dialogue with Buddhist monks and nuns.
“Thank God for the grace of a Benedictine vocation.”
Sr. Ann Marie Ball, CSJ
Sister Ann Marie has served as a teacher in various schools in the Albany and Syracuse dioceses, as a director of faith formation at Our Lady of Peace in Lakeland and Immaculate Conception in Pompey; as a pastoral associate at St. Therese in Syracuse; as a receptionist at the YMCA in Fayetteville, at All Saints, St. Vincent’s/Blessed Sacrament in Syracuse, and currently as a volunteer receptionist at the Spiritual Renewal Center in Syracuse.
“I have been blessed to be a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for 65 years. I have been nourished through the example of the Sisters with whom I had the privilege of living. I have grown in my faith and appreciate the gift of being part of a visionary community and the support I have received these past 65 years.
I was given the opportunity to share my gifts as a teacher, pastoral associate, and director of faith formation. Finally, I was privileged to have a unique ministry at the YMCA. I think I made a difference in sharing my faith with those of many denominations. They would ask me about my faith and why I became a religious. I attribute my mother’s strong faith and the wonderful example of my kindergarten teacher, Sr. Fulgentia, because of her gentle ways, love, and concern for others. I have made a difference in the lives of others, as they have made a difference in my life.
A line that has always spoken to me from our CSJ Constitution states, ‘The Spirit calls us to live our consecration in community, and with the strength that comes from our lives together, we turn beyond ourselves to serve a world in need.’”
Sr. Adelbert Durant, OSF
Sister Adelbert has served in various ministries in education, as an elementary and junior high school teacher and principal at many schools in the Syracuse Diocese from 1962 to 1988 (and including one school in Camden, New Jersey). In 1988, her ministry experience expanded when she became an administrative assistant at the Personal Resource Center in Syracuse, followed by a ministry as secretary for the diocesan seminarian office in Syracuse. From there, her experience widened as she became secretary and data processor for Holy Cross in Dewitt. Her ministry expanded again as she served at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Health Center — first as a unit secretary, then as a patient advocate in the emergency department, followed by service as a unit chaplain and a palliative care chaplain. She now resides at the Franciscan Village.
“The first significant ministry was with the children, students, and their parents. What a joy it was to be part of their daily life and learning experiences with the various grades. The unexpected was always present with each grade level, which added to the day’s fun.
“The second significant ministry was working for the director of the new aspirants who were desiring to enter the seminary and the applicants studying for the priesthood. It was very affirming to witness their earnestness throughout the years.
“The most significant ministry for me was being with the palliative patients and their loved ones, as I felt the sacredness of their journey to the One they believe in. It seemed that being a vowed religious was very important to the terminal patients and an immense blessing for me.
“I am in awe as I ponder the immense blessings God has bestowed upon me over the many years of my life.”
Sr. Mary Ann Fetcho, CSJ
Sister Mary Ann has served in a variety of ministries. She was the principal at St. Peter’s School in Rome, a chaplain at St. Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady, an administrative assistant at St. Francis Social Day Care in Syracuse, and a pastoral associate at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Liverpool.
“My Jubilee is not only a celebration of 65 years of service as a Sister of St. Joseph, but also an opportunity to express my debt of gratitude to a God who has accompanied me on every step of my journey. Look at the many people God sent into my life — a devoted family, many friends, and members of my CSJ Community. I truly believe that God selected the many paths I was to follow those 65 years of service, with the grace to fulfill the task at hand.
“Indeed, God has been so [good] to me. I truly look forward to the days, weeks, and years ahead, knowing that I will never walk alone.”
Sr. Marise May, OSF
Sister Marise has served as a teacher at several schools in the diocese, both on the elementary and secondary levels of education, and at Maria Regina College. Since 1990, she has served as a spiritual director at the Spiritual Renewal Center in Syracuse.
“Many lay people are called by God to the same ministries as I have done. They also have vows to be faithful to. What makes religious life for me is living in community with like-hearted women. We pray together. We look out for one another. We take care of one another. We cheer for one another. We share the same values.”
60 years
Sr. Marcia Barry, OSF
Sister Marcia has served in a variety of ministries. She ministered as a teacher in Syracuse and Fayetteville, and as a principal in Hoboken, New Jersey. She served as a parish director of religious education at Immaculate Conception and as co-director of the Franciscan Place at Destiny Mall from 2000 to 2002. Since 2001, she has served in the ministry of parish outreach at St. Mary’s in Baldwinsville.
“Each and every year of my ministerial life has been rewarding. It has been a special blessing to engage in community and minister throughout these 60 years. As an educator, meeting people in parishes and in the mall ministry has enabled me not only to live out my vows but to mentor people searching to strengthen their faith and to lead by their God-given gifts. I have learned much because of the faithful people who have come across my path. These past 60 years have allowed me to grow in my own faith and be enriched by community members and the People of God.”
Sr. Mary Bartholomew Biviano. CSJ (no information available)
Sr. Geraldine DeLuca, OSF
Sister Geraldine has served in health care ministries throughout her religious life, including as a nursing supervisor at Mercy Hospital in Auburn and as a clinical instructor, director of the School of Nursing, and assistant administrator for nursing education at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Health Center.
She has also ministered as coordinator of Health Services at Francis House; as nursing supervisor at St. Anthony Motherhouse; in nursing and clinical instruction and supervision at St. Joseph’s Hospital Home Care Agency; and from 2017 to the present, she serves as a caregiver instructor, supervisor, and provider of spiritual care to the residents and their families at Francis House.
50 years
Rev. Steven Frenier, OFM (no information available)
Rev. James Dahlinger, SJ
Father Dahlinger has served in a variety of ministries as a Jesuit priest. Among his most significant assignments was serving the Retrouvaille Program for Hurting Marriages on Long Island, and in Rochester, Buffalo, and Trenton, New Jersey.
He has also served the ministry of education on both the high school and college levels. He taught French and Spanish in Jesuit High Schools in St. Louis, Denver, and New York City, while during the summers, he served in parish ministry in the Diocese of Fresno, California. Then he began serving as a professor, teaching French at St. Peter’s College and serving in campus ministry as well. Since 2000, he has taught French and English at Le Moyne College and serves in campus ministry. He also served parishes for weekend or weekday Masses in the Archdiocese of New York, the Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey, and continues to do so here in Syracuse. He has been at Le Moyne College for 28 years.
Rev. Vincent Hevern, SJ
Father Hevern is celebrating a “double jubilee” this year: 60 years ago, he entered the community, and now he is celebrating his Golden Jubilee of ordination to the priesthood!
Father has served as a high school teacher at Xavier High School in New York City, as a parish priest at St. Ann’s Church in Somerville, Massachusetts, as a teacher and psychologist at Regis High School in New York City, and since 1991 as a professor at Le Moyne College.
“Most of my ministry has been in education with both high school and college students.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has been able to help younger people with personal difficulties and to teach several thousand undergraduates in the field of psychology. My students know I am a priest and have met with me to cope with spiritual and personal concerns. I have been happy to celebrate the liturgy and to preach here at Le Moyne.”
Rev. Richard G. Malloy, SJ
Father Malloy has served on the Jesuit Urban Service Team at Holy Name Parish in Camden, New Jersey, and as director of mission integration at Christo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, he served as director of campus ministry and in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at St. Joseph’s University. In 2010, he became vice president for mission and campus ministry at The University of Scranton, where he also taught courses in anthropology, sociology, and theology. He has been the college chaplain at Le Moyne College since 2025.
Father has also served as a “summer priest” at Immaculate Conception Church in Bethel, Arkansas, and at St. Anthony’s Church in Cody, Wyoming; and as Catholic chaplain for Yellowstone National Park, of which he wrote with tongue in cheek, “… tough job, but someone has to do it.”
Rev. Gerard McKeon, SJ
Father McKeon has ministered in retreat ministry at Eastern Point Retreat House in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and in deacon, seminarian, and lay leadership training in Kingston, Jamaica. He has also served as a chaplain at Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., as a chaplain and parish priest at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut, and as chaplain and campus minister at Ithaca College and Cornell University. Since 2018, he has served in pastoral ministry, jail ministry, hospital ministry, and spiritual direction ministry here in Syracuse.
“I thank God for the variety of ministry I have been blessed to engage in since my entrance into the Jesuit Novitiate in 1976. God has been so kind, so gentle, encouraging, and faithful. And I have been so blessed to find the face of Christ in so many people over the years. Deep in my heart is the spirit of Matthew 25: God has come to me most powerfully through the poor, the foreigner, the sick, and the prisoner. All is grace!”
Sr. Francis James Paris, OSF
Sister Francis James has served in the ministries of education, religious education, outreach ministry, family life ministry, pastoral ministry, and community service. She was a teacher and catechist at Catholic schools and parishes in Whitesboro, Minoa, Fulton, and Baldwinsville. She served as an assistant at the St. Marianne Cope Shrine and Museum in Destiny Mall. She served as an outreach minister at St. Mary’s in Minoa and a family life minister for the Diocese of Syracuse. While in Minoa, she served on the Minoa/Bridgeport/Kirkville Area Ecumenical Council. In recent years, she has served as a driver, a receptionist, a prayer minister, and as director of transportation at the Franciscan Villa.
“Time has passed swiftly, and I have been very blessed! God’s people have been my joy to serve in His name as I’ve worked with my Sisters in building up the Kingdom in many ministries.”
40 years
Sr. Sheila Long, OSB, Cam
Sister Sheila has served as a minister of prayer and hospitality at the Abbaye Ste. Marie de Maumont in France from 1993 to 2009. She came to Transfiguration Monastery in Windsor, New York, in 2009, where she resides and continues that ministry to the present day.
Sr. Chris Pologa, CSJ
Sr. Chris has served 30 years in the Diocese of Syracuse as a well-educated and inspiring teacher and counselor. She served at St. Vincent de Paul Parish and School, St. Joseph the Worker School, the Franciscan Academy, Holy Family School, Rome Catholic High School, Bishop Grimes High School, Bishop Ludden High School, and now Bishop Ludden-Grimes.
She also served for 14 years at St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, holding a variety of educational and administrative positions at the CSJ-sponsored school that specializes in empowering young women for leadership service in our global world.
Additionally, she serves in retreat ministry, engaging with teens preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, with adults in Advent and Lenten parish programs, and with CSJ Associates as they deepen their faith in Jesus Christ.
“Jubilee is an opportunity to pause, reflect, remember, and offer gratitude for all the people and experiences that have graced my life throughout these 40 years of service to the dear neighbor. I praise God for calling me to be a humble instrument of life-giving grace. My heart rejoices in my CSJ Sisters and Associates who share our charism of unifying love for the life of the world. My many lay friends have added color to my life, while my students keep me reaching for the stars. Thank you one and all. ‘For all that has been, THANKS, for all that will be, YES!’ (Dag Hammarskjold)”
25 years
Rev. Ignatius M. Manfredonia, FI
Father Ignatius resides and serves as the Guardian (local superior) at Mt. St. Francis Monastery in Endicott, New York. He is a member of the Franciscans of the Immaculate.
