On May 11, 2019, the sisters of the Vice-Province of Moncton met in Riverview to celebrate the jubilarians of religious profession.

 

Here is the list of that day’s honorees:

• 65th: Laurina Babineau, Gloria Boudreau, Hélène Comeau, Marie Fougère, and Annette Landry.
• 60th : Ruth Calvert, Amélia Deveau, Géraldine Parent, Yvette Roy, Marie Saulnier and Thérèse Vautour.
• 55th : Marion Briand, Margaret-Ann Lorway and Lilianne McGraw.

 

Called to be bearers of light

 

We arrived from all corners of the Vice-Province…we sensed a spirit of celebration and communion as we gathered in the Royal Den (our chapel) for the Eucharistic Celebration. Each jubilarian received a beautiful corsage to complete her lovely outfit. It was obvious from the opening song that the theme chosen for the day was the very same one as that of the year, namely, LIGHT. The celebrant, who had just finished his retreat on the subject of «Called by name (baptism); sent in his name (confirmation) », reminded us that we have all been enlightened in order to be LIGHT wherever we are. To complete this celebration, we looked at a short video prepared by Catherine Cormier to accompany the song «Light of the World» by Robert Lebel.

 

Festive meal

 

Once on 3^rd floor, we continued to celebrate with an appetizer, followed by a festive meal. Everything was just beautiful: the lovely decorations, various colored tablecloths … we marveled at the flowers and lovely bouquets … the names of each one, prepared by some fairy fingers and arranged on the tables, invited us to enjoy the meal that awaited us. There was a place for everyone and so we felt welcome. A small leaflet made to measure assisted us in singing our prayer before and after the meal to the tune of a familiar song while savoring our food and enjoying one another’s company. On a table near-by we could admire the photos of our jubilarians. There was also a large decorated envelope bearing the name of each one … awaiting our congratulation cards. Our chefs, Jacqueline Desroches and Marie Saulnier, one of our jubilarians, offered a choice of chicken “fricot” or sea-food chowder. In both cases a real treat! For dessert cake … chocolates …

 

Friendly gatherings

 

Following the meal we met in small groups here and there, either near the elevator or elsewhere to chat, tell stories, reminisce and laugh.

Towards the end of the afternoon everyone returned to her community delighted by this memorable day of friendly encounters and thanksgiving to the Lord for the beautiful celebration that prompts us to become more and more a reflection of His light, as Robert Lebel so aptly puts it.

 

Thanks for a well planned day

 

We extend a big thank you to Jeanne Comeau and Jacqueline Desroches who planned and organized everything. Special thanks also to Rose Marie Audet and Lilianne McGraw who so beautifully prepared the Eucharistic Celebration; to Catherine Cormier for the video editing and to Marie Saulnier and Jacqueline Desroches for the delicious meal. Above all, thanks to the Lord for « this time of meeting, of exchanging and sharing, prayer and celebration, relaxing and rejoicing » (cf R.L. 25) which strengthens the bonds of fraternity and friendship among us.

 

Joyce Brochet, fj Moncton, Canada