Dominican, BVM Sisters celebrate jubilees

Aug. 17, 2020
Catholic San Francisco

Sister Gervaise Valpey OP and Sister Judy Lu McDonnell OP are celebrating 60 years as Dominican Sisters of San Rafael.

“These two former schoolmates growing up in Stockton, graduated high school together and entered the convent on the same day,” the congregation said in a statement. “Sister Gervaise Valpey and Sister Judy Lu McDonnell continue to shine their light on a world very much in need.”

Sister Gervaise has spent the last 60 years primarily in the ministry of education at her congregation’s San Domenico Schools holding positions including principal and head of school. She has an innovative spirit and an inspiring willingness to try. Grateful for the Dominican value of interdependence, she confidently walks in the footsteps of St. Dominic, and like him, her preaching is by her life.

Sister Judy Lu taught for 10 years before moving to the jungles of Bolivia in the 1980s. She lived in a hut on her own for eight years. She was then called to her hometown of Stockton to assess growing needs in the Laotian and Latino immigrant communities. Since 2008, Sister Judy Lu has served as the co-promoter of justice, peace, and care of creation within the congregation.

 

Sister Julie O’Neill, BVM, marks 70th jubilee

Sister Julie O’Neill is celebrating 70 years as a Sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Dubuque, Iowa. Sister Julie was born and raised in San Francisco and entered the BVM Congregation from St. Paul Parish on Sept. 8, 1950. After teaching in Catholic schools, mainly in California, she became director of religious education at St. Veronica Parish in South San Francisco, where she spent 20 years. A celebration is planned for Sept. 13. Cards and wishes can be sent to 1050 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003-7999.