On June 10th, the Daughters of Jesus in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada) got together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of one of their own. What a joyful event for Sister Gabrielle, her community and her family.
One hundred years, a milestone to celebrate
What joy and honor to celebrate a dear one’s 100th birthday! We rejoice and celebrate with Gabrielle and give praise and thanks to God for her life and the gift that she is to each one of us.
with family
On May 31st, Gabrielle had the joy of celebrating her 100th birthday with many members of her family – 4 generations! They had prepared a short program with music and song, remembering Gabrielle’s life journey and the wisdom and joy she shared throughout her life.
No celebration is complete without goodies and a cake and there was plenty of both. It was so touching to see her great grand nieces and nephews with the special expression of their wishes through song, poetry and art. Gabrielle also received congratulations from King Charles, Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney.
with community
On June 10th, her actual day of birth, Filles de Jésus and Associates gathered to celebrate this special occasion. We began with a prayer celebration praising the Lord for Gabrielle:
“I thank my God whenever I think of you; and every time I pray for you, I pray with joy, remembering how you have helped to spread the good news from the day you first heard it right up to the present. I am quite certain that the One who began his good work in you will see that it is finished when the day of Christ Jesus comes.” (Phil. 1)
In thanksgiving
We have all been touched by the gift of Gabrielle’s life and her many years of service as a teacher, a missionary in Haiti, and in many different roles in leadership and administration. She has been blessed with many gifts and talents which she used to help others throughout the years, even into her nineties! We experienced her wisdom, availability, generosity, compassion, sense of humor, ability to let go and adapt to the many changes in her life.
And now, at the age of 100, she is an active participant in many activities at the Centre: bingo, chair exercises, painting, Nurses’ presentations on different topics, birthday celebrations, house meetings, etc.
She is present at all our community activities, be it praying the rosary together, for the launching of the year, sharing on our Sent on Mission: “Do you love me? Follow me”, etc. She has always remained alert and interested in what is happening – her smile and sense of humor always present.
And now, as she continues her journey, we pray with Gabrielle: “Accept the offering of my whole being and give me the grace to love you more each day. Teach me to let you do all things for me and never to resist you…”
And to that, we all say AMEN!
The Daughters of Jesus
Edmonton, Canada
0 Comments