Kathleen Strebb Sweeney
Kathleen Strebb Sweeney, owner of the Shore Casino at the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Harbor, stepped down from her professional restaurateur position to accept accolades and praise at a gala dinner celebration honoring her at the 150th anniversary of the Sodality of the Children of Mary of Saint Teresa at the Shore Casino last week.
The spiritual organization, located in Jersey City, was founded in 1948 by Rev. Vincent Hart, SJ, who noted at the time that the name of the Blessed Mother “is whispered, heralded and triumphantly proclaimed” by the Sodality, also known as the Teresians for their devotion to St. Teresa.
Thirty years later, the Rev. Victor Yanitelli, S.J., the Moderator of the group at that time, expressed his thanks to the Teresians, past and present, “who have given themselves to this spiritual enterprise….”
At this year’s celebration of 150 years, current president Jean-Marie Ake said, “As we celebrate this 150th anniversary with prayer and humility, may we continue to honor the ideals, traditions and good works of our predecessors.”
Ake also led the praise and applause for Sweeney who was presented with a certificate and bouquet of flowers as an Honorary Teresian.
Kathleen, an Atlantic Highlands resident was honored along with Mary Catherine O’Brien and Sharon Morrissey, both also receiving flowers and certificates for their generosity and work for the Sodality and its causes.
Kathleen was the owner of the Casino in the Park in Jersey City for many years, and the Sodality met at that facility often, always citing her generosity and devotion to the Teresians and their work.
The Rev. Andrew Downing, S.J, the current moderator of the organization, also praised the three honorary recipients and praised the work of the Sodality over their decades of thoughtfulness, service, generosity and work.
Ake, who is stepping down this year after serving as Presidents of the Teresians for five years, was also honored by the crowd for her service to the Teresians and her 39 years as a member. Former president Ann McGovern, who currently services as a councilor of the organization, praised Ake’s love and care and noted “we love, we argue, but we love what we do” to the applause and agreement of the more than 50 attending the gala celebration.
The program for the event included special thanks to donors who make Teresian events possible, as well as a dozen gifts donated which were raffled off at the event.
Members who have “persevered and supported the Sodality” for more than a quarter of a century were also honored, with Barbara Tansey congratulated for 50 years of service to the organization, and another 17 women cited for between 25 and 45 years.
In addition to President Ake, this year’s officers include Mrs. John Costello, first vice-president, Gail Cousins, recording secretary and Mrs. Peter Zampella, corresponding secretary, Diane Lynch treasurer, Mrs. Ronald Prezioso entertainment chair and Mrs. Carl Taylor, assistant entertainment chair. Councilors, in addition to McGovern, are Mrs. Vito Colacurcio, Honor. Mary K. Costello, and Katherine Crossan.
