Anne Marie Rakaowa, a postulant of the Daughters of Jesus on placement in Daoukro, Ivory Coast, tells us about the ceremony to honour Mr Mathurin Brou, who has retired after 30 years of service to the community.
As the sun rose on 25 January 2025, the community of Daoukro gave thanks to Mr Mathurin Brou for the gift of his retirement, as many people work here without reaching retirement age.
Honouring humanity means recognising the value of others
This day of tribute began with a celebration of the Eucharist presided over by Abbé Alphonse Loukou, the parish priest, in the presence of the entire Daughters of Jesus family: Sisters, Associates and a few guests. At the end of the mass, Sister Pauline Nkoy, superior of the community, spoke on behalf of us all to say a few words of thanks to our elected representative of the day.
In her speech, she underlined the values that the community has retained from Papa Mathurin Brou’s service : love of a job well done, availability and helpfulness. On behalf of all the Sisters who have worked in Daoukro, she also asked his forgiveness for all the frustrations and disagreements he has experienced during his thirty years of service.
Honouring humanity means working with others
Thirty years of service to a community also means thirty years of collaboration with that community in its many concerns and community services. That’s why the community decided to pay solemn tribute to him. We wanted to honour him and show him our recognition and gratitude for the quality of the service he has provided and for the model of a relentless and devoted servant that he was for the community.
Honorer l’humanité, c’est se réjouir avec l’autre
As a moment of joy and thanksgiving, this ceremony was marked by dancing, a sketch performed by the girls of the Foyer, the presentation of gifts offered by the community on behalf of the whole Province, by the girls of the Foyer and by an associate. We also shared a fraternal meal in a festive and joyful atmosphere.
It was a magnificent and unforgettable moment that will remain engraved
in the heart and memory of our dear Papa Mathurin.
As Daughters of Jesus, ‘Honouring the Sacred Humanity of the Son of God’ (Rule of Life, no. 3) means recognising a person’s strengths and values and showing this through small, simple, fraternal gestures.
Anne Marie Rakaowa,
Postulante, Filles de Jésus,
en stage à Daoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
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