The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (PHJC) commemorated the 175th anniversary of the congregation’s founding on Sunday, August 2, in Ancilla Domini Chapel in Donaldson, Indiana. The congregation gathered for a celebratory Mass honoring the life of its founder, Saint Katharina Kasper, and her work as a woman religious.
Born on May 26, 1820, in Dernbach, Germany, Saint Katharina based her life on serving poor and vulnerable populations in her village. She focused her attention on creating a group of like-minded women to help her serve both the Lord and their community through their service. On August 15, 1851, she and four of her companions took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, becoming the first members of the PHJC congregation.
Bishop Kevin Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend spoke on Saint Katharina’s call to serve.
“Two centuries ago, the young Katharina Kasper heeded our Lord’s words. As a poor peasant girl, she answered God’s invitation to come to Him,” Bishop Rhoades said. “God’s invitation certainly applied to Katharina when He said, ‘You have no money. Come, receive grain and eat.’ And that’s what she did. She listened and received life—the abundant life of faith. Katharina listened to the Lord’s voice speaking in her heart, and that small voice within her that moved her to serve and care for the poor, the sick, and the children.”
The Mass began with a procession led by PHJC sisters, who were followed by Bishop Rhoades. The congregation sang a gathering hymn, “Moved by the Spirit,” composed by Sister Connie Bach, PHJC, a provincial counselor.
For Sister Connie, this anniversary serves as an important reminder of all the women religious who came before her, including Saint Katharina.
“Over 8,000 women have walked in Saint Katharina’s shoes, and so we’re not just celebrating our anniversary here in the United States, but we’re celebrating the entire congregation. We’re in nine countries on five continents, but we’re one community, one congregation, and so that’s what we’re celebrating today,” Sister Connie said. “It’s a unifying celebration for all of our sisters around the world that we can walk in the shoes of Katharina and on the shoulders of all those who have come on before us.”
Following the gathering hymn, attendees sang various songs together and heard several readings of Biblical passages by different PHJC sisters. Then, Bishop Rhoades delivered a homily, sharing the story of the founding of the congregation. He commended the faith of the congregation’s women religious of the past, emphasizing their perseverance in the face of anti-Catholicism, political unrest, and economic hardships. For the women religious of the present, he offered this encouragement.
“After 175 years, the Poor Handmaids pressed forward toward His kingdom, faithful to their holy character,” Bishop Rhoades said. “You are able to do so, sisters like your predecessors did, only when you follow the Lord’s grace and your own cooperation with that grace. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and strengthen you with His gifts.”
The sisters renewed their vows after the homily, then they recited prayers of the faithful for each of the Poor Handmaid provinces and regions, including Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, England, India, Mexico, Brazil, Kenya, and Nigeria. Each prayer was spoken in the native language of the region while the presenter held bread from the respective region. The presenters then lay the bread at the base of the altar.
Since the early days of PHJC, the congregation has emphasized unity and community. Now, it is no different. Members strive to create community across borders, emphasizing dignity and respect for all. Sister Shirley Bell, PHJC, province leader for the United States, spoke more on this.
“It’s just unimaginable how the congregation has grown, and to be a part of this congregation internationally is such a gift,” Sister Shirley said. “Even though we’re small here in the United States, there are sisters throughout the world who will continue this charism of Saint Katharina, and we certainly hope that continues here as well. The face of who we are will probably shift, with us being more conscious of our internationality and interculturality. It really is a gift and diversity that our world needs to embrace today.”
The Eucharist followed the presentation of the bread, with preparation of the gifts, hymns, and communion. Bishop Rhoades spoke briefly to close out the Mass before the choir sang a closing hymn, “Send Down the Fire.” The opening procession then exited, followed by Bishop Rhoades.
Members were then released and invited to a private reception.
Centering on nearly two centuries of the PHJC congregation, the celebratory Mass pulled from many areas of the PHJC mission, emphasizing unity and resilience above all.
Sister Shirley shared her hopes for what those attending would take away.
“I hope that people take away a sense of hope and new life—that they see there is a future, and it’s worth celebrating. We never know as we go through life. There’s always many challenges and difficulties, but there’s also those moments that catapult us into a new future,” Sister Shirley said.
Sister Connie shared her own desire for the message of Saint Katharina’s life to impact the hearts of those in attendance.
“Hopefully this celebration touches people’s hearts and brings them closer to Christ, letting them leave wanting to go forth and spread the word and the love of God to those around them,” Sister Connie said.
As the congregation leaders look to the future, they hope to encourage others across the world to find them and feel connected to their messaging.
“Our vision is to be catalysts for just transformation in the places where we live and minister, specifically among the poor and vulnerable,” Sister Connie said. “We do that through education, through social services, through pastoral care, through healthcare, and through other ministries that individual sisters have gifts for. Whatever they can bring to lift people up, that’s what we use to build up God’s Kingdom.”
Sister Shirley echoed a similar sentiment, highlighting the dynamic nature of PHJC’s ministry.
“There’s so many new ways to give to the community and our world through ministry, and there’s just a lot to know. We’re a very diverse congregation in the regards to the types of ministry that we’re involved in,” Sister Shirley said.
Ultimately, PHJC wants community members to know that there is always a place for them on campus.
“Donaldson is a place that’s open and welcome to everyone. You don’t need an invitation. You don’t need a reason. Just come and explore what’s here. There’s so much here on the campus,” Sister Shirley said. “Everyone who comes here says, ‘as soon as I come onto the campus, I sense a peace and quiet and know that this is a holy place.’ If that’s what you seek—someplace to get away, to be quiet to yourself and explore where God is calling you—please come and visit us.”