The school and parish community at Our Lady of Sorrows, Corona, celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Sister Katherine Hanrahan, C.S.J., principal of the parish school, on Sept. 22.

The Golden Jubilee marks her 50th anniversary of religious life. Teachers, former teachers, school staff members, students past and present gathered alongside parishioners to honor Sister Katherine. The celebration began at the 12:30 p.m. Mass and continued afterwards in the school.

The liturgy was celebrated by Msgr. Thomas Healy, pastor, along with parochial vicars Fathers Carlos Prieto, Walter Lawson and Ed Smith. Assisting were Deacons Daniel Magaña and José Tineo.

Msgr. Healy told the congregation that he arrived at Our Lady of Sorrows shortly after Sister Katherine was appointed as the principal. He thanked her for her dedicated service to the school and parish. She has ministered to the Corona community for 23 years as a Sister of St. Joseph of Brentwood, L.I.

After Mass, guests were treated to performances by the students’ choir, under the direction of Robert Weston, along with dance performances by the Padre Billini Association Dance Group and Grupo Guadalupeño, under the direction of Leibnitz Scottborgh. In addition to dance and song, guests enjoyed empanadas, appetizers, beverages and an anniversary cake.

Co-principal Kathleen Bollinger opened the festivities and told the guests that Sister Katherine, “has been an inspiration to me. She and Padre Tomás (Msgr. Healy) have worked hard to create a very special place here where our community feels welcomed and celebrated.” She continued saying, “it is a privilege to be part of this ministry here at Our Lady of Sorrows.”

Sister Katherine expressed her gratitude to all who attended

“First, I wish to thank God,” she said. She then proceeded to thank all of the people she has worked with during her years at Our Lady of Sorrows.

She concluded by telling her guests that she has loved every minute of her life as a Sister of St. Joseph.