Celebrating Sr. Evelyn Eckhardt's 60th Jubilee

Leading up to our July 27 celebration, we will be highlighting a different Jubilarian each week from now until July 22. Sr. Agnes McColgan (70 years), Sr. Ann Nielsen (70 years), Sr. Evelyn Eckhardt (60 years), Sr. Maureen Hurley (60 years), and Sr. Rosemarie Greco (60 years) will all be celebrated as they hit this monumental milestone.

As Sr. Evelyn Eckhardt celebrates her 60th Jubilee as a Daughter of Wisdom, she reflects on the moments that stand out to her.

A Reflection on Life in Wisdom

Looking back over my life in Wisdom, what stands out for me is the amazing way Wisdom has blessed me with experiences beyond my wildest imaginings. Growing up in South Ozone Park, NY, I never thought about becoming a woman religious.  THEN, during my senior year in high school, I had a profound sense of God’s incredible goodness to me and I wanted to give my life to God in return. After Profession as a Daughter of Wisdom, I loved my ministry in teaching, never envisioning another.  THEN, the Provincial Leadership asked me to prepare for Formation and my studies expanded my whole perspective on life and mission. THEN, in the ensuing years, service in leadership at home and formation abroad afforded me the opportunity to be with our Sisters from around the world—a treasure that enhanced my community life here in the US and increased my awareness of a global sisterhood. NOW, I am filled with gratitude for these unexpected experiences and for the countless people through whom Wisdom has shaped who I am today. As I stand on the threshold of a new moment in religious life and the evolution of human consciousness, I find myself saying, “Never could I ever have imagined such a journey!”

Sr. Evelyn Eckhardt, DW

A Tribute by Sr. Catherine Sheehan

“When I think of Evelyn and her life with Wisdom, what comes to mind and what I want us to celebrate is her …

Faithful-inspired response to Wisdom’s call over these 60 years.  Evelyn has followed Wisdom’s call, which has often meant leaving the familiar and comfortable to journey farther and deeper.

Certainly, the journey has been farther than South Ozone Park!  Litchfield, CT, may have seemed far in those beginning days and years, but what followed was Berkely, CA, Washington DC, and St. Augustine, FL.  And it did not end there!  Of course, France and Italy, by many of us, could be seen as far– until you think of India, Madagascar, Malawi, and Papua-New Guinea!  These experiences grew out of Evelyn’s following Wisdom’s call to mission as a Daughter of Wisdom.

The inner journey cannot be measured in geographical distance, and this is what we celebrate today.  Evelyn’s faithful response to Wisdom’s call throughout the years heard through her Sisters, her family, and her dear friends speaks to a way of life.  A life in relationship with Wisdom that includes many loving relationships both near and across the world. 

At the heart of Evelyn’s faithful response is her desire for Wisdom and Wisdom’s ultimate desire and love for her.

We, your Sisters, family, and friends, are enriched by your life and love!” 

Sr. Catherine Sheehan