From our Sister Monique Bonami
What a joy it was on Saturday August 19 to gather around the 3 jubilarians of the year: Sr Irma Declerq: 75 years of religious life, Sr Patricia Massart: 65 and Sr Marie-Paule Schiltz: 50.
Early in the morning, our coordinator Claire and her husband Kim went to pick up Irma in Oostkamp (Bruges). Patricia came from Eureka (Evere) and Marie-Paule is on site: Evere St Joseph where we have 4 sites.
An elevator breakdown gave us the opportunity to go not to the chapel, but to the dining room of the Sisters of the 3rd floor, which was well decorated for the occasion, and it was more familiar!
Father Luc de l’Arbre, Miss. d’Afrique, celebrated the Eucharist, which began with the beautiful hymn “Jubilez, criez de joie”. We continued alternating between French and Flemish, ending with a song in Alur, a language of the Congo.
After the congratulations, we went downstairs to the large and beautifully decorated dining room. As our three jubilarians worked in the Congo, the flag of the DRC was honored, as well as the tables with the 3 colors, red, green, yellow, and of course photos of the 3 Jubilarians: they received beautiful orchids and we sang an appropriate song.
A delicious meal awaited us. Between courses, games, addresses to the jubilarians and fraternal conversations created a very familiar and joyful atmosphere. We were all delighted by this wonderful gathering!
Magnificat to the God of our Lives! May Our Lady of Africa protect the Congregation and all Africa!
