SSJs Celebrated during Auburn Reunion
A group of Sisters heading to the reunion on a chartered bus
Thirteen Sisters of Saint Joseph were among nearly 300 people gathered at the Springside Inn in Auburn on Sunday, November 2, for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration honoring priests and women religious whose vocation originated in Auburn or who served in ministry there.
Sisters Kay Heverin, Judy Greene, Beverly Baker, Brian Madigan, Alice Marie Kurtz, Dorothy Meisenzahl, Ellen Galvin, Mary Lisa Dwyer, Ellen Kuhl, Ruth Maier, Judith Whalen, Dolores Bachman, and Carol Cimino joined fellow religious and members of the Catholic community in Auburn for the “Saints Next Door Dinner.” The event was organized by Cheryl Foster through the Catholic community of Auburn and Cayuga County.
The gathering, which included a homestyle turkey dinner, originated from a remark of the late Pope Francis, who urged communities around the world “to remember and honor these figures of holiness, including the saints, priests, nuns, and devoted servants of God…” Throughout the dinner, photos of the 45 priests and Sisters in attendance were displayed on a video loop, along with the number of years they have served in their vocations.
Grace before the dinner was recited by Bishop Salvatore Matano, who blessed the gathering, thanked the staff of the Springside Inn, and expressed appreciation for the generous hospitality of the organizers.
After dinner, students from the local Catholic schools entertained with songs and a group of Irish musicians regaled the group with Gaelic musical selections. The highlight of the event was the presentation of a City of Auburn proclamation honoring “the countless priests, nuns, and laypersons who have dedicated their lives to faith, education and healing,” and officially designating November 2, 2025, as “Saints Next Door Day.”
Each Sister and priest in attendance received a copy of the proclamation and a gift from the Catholic community. The consensus among the attendees was clear: it was a memorable event, and one that expressed in no uncertain terms the gratitude of the people of Auburn to its religious men and women.
Photo 1: Sister Carol Cimino with Martha Clancy Milliman who attended Sacred Heart Cathedral where Sister Carol taught
Photo 2: Organizer Cheryl Foster speaking at the event
Photo 3: Sisters Judy Green, Mary Lisa Dwyer, Kay Heverin, and Dolores Bachman enjoying dinner
Photo 4: Irish singers performing during the reunion