Today, the 24^th of October 2021, the parish of Guidel, in Brittany,is celebrating . Our sister Marcelle Cottais born on the 25^th of October 1921 in Lohéac, Ille et Vilaine, is one hundred years old.

 

Marclle entered the Daughters of Jesus in Kermaria and made her first profession on the 4^th of August 1942, taking the name of Sister Marie Sainte Geneviève.

 

A life of commitment

 

During her long religious life, Sister Marcelle taught in various schools (Josselin, Vannes, Lorient, Paris, Rennes…). What marked and motivated her the most however, was her voluntary work with foreigners, listening to and helping them with administrative procedures, and teaching literacy to women.

In Paris for many years, then in Rennes, she continued her commitment as a visitor to people in prison.

 

 

Time to retire

 

In 2014, at the age of 93, Sister Marcelle arrived in Guidel for a well-deserved retirement. She still remained very active and involved in parish activities :

– Secours Catholique,

– the preparation of funerals,

– reception at the presbytery.

 

The mass of thanksgiving

 

Many parishioners who came to the thanksgiving mass, shared in the joy of Sister Marcelle and that of her community. Two bouquets of flowers, offered by the members of Secours Catholique and the parish, accompanied their wishes for a “long life”.

 

 

After signing her birth and baptismal certificates, Sister Marcelle thanked the assembly. It was at this moment that the celebrant announced the baptism of a little girl, born in 2021… one hundred years after Sister Marcelle. The Mass ended with the singing of the Magnificat.

 

 

And the celebration continued

 

Afterwards, friends and guests came together in a parish room for a toast in a beautiful festive ambiance. Some of the Sisters, and Fathers Ruaud and Bernard joined the community for a meal hosted by the participants.

 

 

The next day, on the actual day of her 100th birthday, we celebrated our Sister in community. Then finally, on the 27^th of October, at a meal for the town’s seniors, Sister Marcelle and another Guidel centenarian received magnificent bouquets, along with the best wishes of the Mayor and his council.

 

We will not forget these beautiful days of celebration.

Now, Sister Marcelle will continue to “remember”

by looking back on all the signs of attention

from her family, the Sisters and her friends.

Sr Marie Thérèse Retho fj

Guidel, France