Greenfield sister celebrates 50 years as a nun

For five decades, Sister Ann Rosalia Devlin, of the Congregation of Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, has devoted her life to God.

The religious sister was recognized for that commitment on Sunday with a Roman Catholic mass at her home parish of St. Rosalia in Greenfield followed by a luncheon in the church hall. She taught at the former grade school for many years and is a member of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program for the Oakland-Greenfield-Hazelwood parish grouping. This course educates adults in the Catholic faith. The RCIA class offers spiritual guidance for anyone interested in becoming a Roman Catholic.

“I was deeply honored to have shared my Golden Jubilee with so many friends and family, all of whom have touched my life in some unique and blessed way,” Sister Ann said.

Rev. Kris Stubna, administrator and rector of the parish grouping of Saint Paul Cathedral and Saint Regis in Oakland, Saint Rosalia in Greenfield and Saint Stephen in Hazelwood, presided over the Mass along with several priests.

“What is most striking is that Sister Ann for 50 years has been able to offer her life in service to others with a joyful spirit and loving heart,” Stubna said. “She has changed the lives of people. She lives for others.”

In 50 years she has gone through a lot of changes but she’s stayed committed to religious life and helping others, Stubna said. She did not lose her way, he said.

Throughout her work she has been teacher, principal, convent superior, Latin instructor, RCIA coordinator, director of elementary religious education and infant child care supervisor.

Sister Ann’s cousins Carol Murphy of Squirrel Hill and Clare Goetz of Carnegie attended the Mass and luncheon. Murphy said she wanted to recognized Sister Ann’s parents for instilling such values in their daughter.

“Can you imagine 50 years?” Murphy said. “Most marriages don’t last that long. In today’s world giving 50 years to religious life and teaching the youth of America is to be commended.”

“I am so proud of her,” Goetz said. “And honored to be able to celebrate with her.”

Sister Ann’s twin sister, Maggie Devlin, said her sister has served Western Pennsylvania and beyond. She always thinks of others before herself.

“She has done it all serving in many different roles,” Maggie Devlin said.

Sister Ann has chosen to wear an identifiable form of religious attire: a veil with a white cap and modest clothing such as a suit in navy or gray. She told the Tribune-Review in a previous story that she feels comfortable in clothing that is understated, yet functional, but still represents her vocation. Inscribed with the Latin “Ego Te Sponsabo” (“I will espouse you”), the gold band on her left hand signifies her commitment to God.

Some orders of sisters gradually discontinued wearing the traditional religious habit in the late 1960s when Vatican Council II gave them the option to modify their habits. But there’s a reason Sister Ann Rosalia doesn’t dress like a lay person.

“Some form of identifiable religious attire is a sign of Christ’s presence in the world, and the world needs signs of God’s presence,” she said. “For me, it’s a sign for the good of the people of God and for those who don’t know Him. It gives public witness to commitment and service.”

She is one of 15 from the IHM congregation celebrating 50 years in 2019.