By Megan Erbacher
The Message editor
As Bishop Joseph M. Siegel looked around the room during the 24th annual Wisdom Day in Jasper, he said he saw not just a room of people, but a living library of wisdom and resilience.
Bishop Siegel told about 175 faithful gathered in the gymnasium of the St. Joseph Parish Center in Jasper, together, they represent hundreds of years of life experience, including decades of faith, hours spent in prayer, families raised, careers built and sacrifices made.
Bishop Siegel was one of many presenters for the East Deanery’s 24th Annual Wisdom Day Sept. 21. Wisdom Day is an annual event that celebrates adults aged 55 and older in the Diocese of Evansville to offer a space for faith, fellowship and enrichment. It includes prayer, speakers, food and entertainment, and it aims to recognize the gifts and wisdom of the senior community.
The annual event is coordinated with assistance from the Diocese of Evansville Office of Marriage, Family and Life.
The theme of the East Deanery’s 24th Wisdom Day was taken from Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
In Jasper, the day began with Mass in St Joseph Church, followed by registration and a light breakfast. East Deanery Wisdom Day General Chairperson Clara Fromme welcomed attendees before introducing Pat Koch, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Koch is a founding member of Wisdom Day in Vincennes.
Before lunch, Bishop Siegel told attendees that it’s always a joy and a privilege to be with them for the event. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the bishop said God speaks these words directly to us: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Bishop Siegel noted the world has changed dramatically from the one attendees grew up in. He said cultural values have shifted, technology rules the world at a dizzying pace, and society values people only for what they can economically produce rather than who they are as children of God. The enemy of our soul wants us to believe that our best days are behind us, he said.
As we grow older, he explained, the nature of hope changes. Hope does not depend on our health, wealth or worldly comfort, he said; hope depends entirely on the character of God. Because God is faithful, Bishop Siegel said our hope is unshakable.
For us, he said hope is the spiritual superpower that transforms how we view our past, our present and our ultimate future.
For a Christian, our ultimate future is not measured by the number of years we have left on this earth, Bishop said; your true future is eternal. As Catholics, we do not believe aging is a slow march to a dead end, he said; we view it as a steady approach toward a grand beginning.
He asked, how do we cultivate this hope daily? This includes staying close to the sacraments; seeking Confession; spending time daily with the word of God; limit the time you spend in secular news, which so often breeds fear and discouragement; practice gratitude; and stay connected with others.
Do not let anyone tell you that your best days are behind you, Bishop Siegel said, as your spirits are being renewed day by day. God knows the plans he has for you, bishop noted — plans to bring you full spiritual maturity; plans to use your wisdom to bless others; plans to welcome you one day to his eternal joy.
So trust God’s promise, he encouraged everyone, lean into the sacraments and stay faithful in prayer.
May our Lady, mother of divine hope, lead you ever closer to her son, Jesus Christ.
Other speakers for Wisdom Day included Father John Brosmer, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Jasper; Diocesan Director of the Office of Marriage, Family and Life Megan Knies; Father Kolbe Wolniakowski, St. Meinrad Subprior; Dr. Kevin Schewe; as well as entertainment by Melanie Baker and Paige Kendall; and chair exercises led by Jill Memmer.