Presentation sisters celebrate 50 years of religious life
DUBUQUE — Sister Marjorie Loughren, PBVM, and Sister Mary Anne McCormick, PBVM, will celebrate 50 years of religious life at a Mass and dinner with Presentation sisters, family and other invited guests to be held Sept. 24 at Sisters of the Presentation Mount Loretto, Dubuque. The life and spirit of 18th century Presentation Irish foundress Venerable Nano Nagle has inspired the personal faith journeys of Sisters Anne and Marjorie who chose special Scriptures with the theme “Blessed by God’s gift, strengthened by grace, received with gratitude” for their celebration.
Entering the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Sept. 8, 1966, Sister Mary Anne professed final vows in 1974 and Sister Marjorie in 1975. Sister Marjorie Loughren, PBVM, daughter of the late Bernard and Loretta McDowell Loughren of Monti, Iowa, graduated from St. Patrick High School in Ryan, Iowa, and Clarke University, Dubuque, Iowa. Currently Sister Marjorie is a substitute teacher in Catholic schools of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. She also volunteers in visiting elderly persons, tutoring, child care and various parish activities.
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Committed deeply to the ministry of teaching, Sister Marjorie commented, “I am passionate that education is the root and means for all the good that is possible in our world. I believe that God’s grace is always available to bring about peace in every situation if only we remain determined and faithful. I am energized knowing that I have been blessed by God’s gifts of life, faith, love, family and community. Each day as I teach children I see the love and many faces of Jesus alive before my eyes.”
Previously, Sister Marjorie served as a full-time elementary teacher in Catholic schools at Farley-Bankston, Key West, Osage and Epworth in Iowa; in Oak Lawn, Illinois; and in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The gift of jubilee carries with it the grace of gratitude as reflected in Sister Marjorie’s remarks, “As I celebrate 50 years of religious commitment, I live in gratitude for my parents, family, friends and the Presentation Sisters founded on Nano Nagle’s deep faith. I celebrate in gratitude for all those who have made a difference in my life and those whose lives I was fortunate enough to touch in some small way. Because of all these people, I am constantly being changed and becoming my true self.”
Sister Mary Anne McCormick, PBVM, daughter of the late Leslie and Bernice (Ryan) McCormick, Waukon, Iowa, graduated from St. Patrick School, Waukon, Iowa, and Clarke University, Dubuque, Iowa.
Currently, Sister Anne serves in various ministry roles at Mount Loretto Presentation Motherhouse, Dubuque, Iowa, such as companion, driver, transportation scheduling and various liturgical roles at celebration of the Eucharist.
“I returned to our motherhouse after 37 years of teaching. It was hard to leave the education scene. I missed my students and their families,” stated Sister Anne. “I have been blessed with many learning opportunities, time for prayer and service especially to our senior sisters. I have also had the opportunity for service by volunteering in different ways in Dubuque. I am currently a member of a group looking for ways to increase awareness of human trafficking.”
Previously, Sister Mary Anne served as a full-time elementary teacher in Catholic schools at Charles City, Cedar Falls, Farley-Bankston and Sheldon in Iowa; Timberlake, South Dakota; and Globe, Arizona. She is observing this jubilee as a special time of gratitude.
“Celebrating my 50th jubilee allows me the opportunity to thank God, my Presentation community, my family and friends for their love and support as I continue to live as a Sister of the Presentation following the direction given us by our foundress, Venerable Nano Nagle,” remarked Sister Anne.
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