Let us celebrate as long as we can!

By Sr. Elisabeth Biela from the Köln community in Germany

100 Years in Trier, 116 Years in Germany

Is this not a reason to get up, break the routine of each day and beat loudly the drum? This is what the drum told us: “Come all to Trier, bring your whole self, do not hesitate, you can do it: Talitha Kum!!”

And, of course, all understood the call of the drum, did we not hear it for so many years in Africa?

And as many as possible came from Cologne, from Senior centre, from St. Elisabeth. Only the sisters of Karlsruhe could not come, we missed them, but other occupations held them. We were not alone. A delegation of the Heiligkreuz Parish, where we started 100 years ago honoured us with their presence. Our joy was great as they brought the cross that had been for so many years in our Chapel and was given to the Parish when we left. It stayed with us throughout the Thanksgiving Service and the get-together.

Also the Department for Missions of the Diocese came to join us as well as the delegate of the Conference of Religious in the Diocese. We cannot forget to mention our dear Mr. Hubert, brother of Maria Hubert, who was our precious caretaker; of course, he came with his wife.

We could not have enjoyed such a wonderful celebration if our co-workers had not put their whole heart into it. Did they not work days and days, if not nights, to make us happy.

Before I forget it, I say “Thank You” on behalf of all the sisters: YOU ARE WONDERFUL!

If you all had been there you would have been amazed at the greetings when we saw one another: Ah and Oh! Great to see you…You look so well, even when the person was holding fast on sticks and walkers, but the smiles on the faces speak another story.

In the hall the Welcome Pictures, created by one of our co-workers put us in the right mood.

But first things first, we celebrated together with one of our brothers a wonderful Eucharist, very prayerful and filled with joy. Sr. Theresia Waldorf had prepared the celebration with love.

After the Eucharist we had time to look at all the decorations in the hall, prepared by many persons. Panels depicting our first sisters.

Besides these first German Sisters they also put up panels with our communities and activities since 2016, because of the 1^st World War German Sisters had to leave Algeria. Then the main History in Germany started with the acquisition of the “German Motherhouse” in Trier. It used to be an old Roman Villa.

From here many sisters left for Formation and Mission in Africa. How we enjoyed looking at the pictures and refreshing so many memories as nearly all of us had passed through this place. We remembered the hard times passed through, but with gratitude that God never let us down because of so many people helping us. This was especially true during the hard times of the wars, especially the 2^nd World-War. We remembered the times when our house had been confiscated by the Nazis for the formation of men and as a military hospital. The sisters had to take care of them all, but remembered the good relationships they had with them.

One picture showed the ruins as the house had been destroyed. Here again we remembered the great solidarity with the people of the parish and many others and our brothers who rebuilt the house together with the sisters.

What was important is, that the sisters never despaired, but started over and over again with little means. For the young sisters at that time, this was an encouragement to build their lives not on material wellbeing, as important as that might be, but on God and the solidarity of people.

I, the writer of this article, was deeply impressed when I entered, of this trust in God, this deep faith of the sisters, and the joy with which they lived through the difficulties. Enough of history.

After this we had a most wonderful meal. And the exchanges on the tables should have been registered as they were so rich in memories. After the meal we watched a presentation of our history in Germany. As you all know the technic gave some difficulties, but we are used to patience. The day ended with a prayer at our Lady of Africa.

These are just some impressions of the wonderful day we were allowed to celebrate. Yes, it was worthwhile listening to the invitation of the drums, although we came home tired, but a good bed waited for us. We give thanks to the Lord for such a wonderful history we have lived through his grace and guidance. We continue our journey in confidence as bearers of hope just as we are, believing that the Lord is at our side as he has always been.