Jubilee Day, Emilie-Gamelin Province

On June 1, 2003, like every year, Sister Claire Houde, provincial leader, alongside with the members of the Provincial Leadership Team and other sisters from the Émilie-Gamelin Province gathered at the chapel of the Mother House in Montreal, to honor 21 jubilarians. Among them, six were celebrating their Diamond Jubilee (60 years of religious life), six their Rubi Jubilee (70 years of religious vocation), while another seven sisters were celebrating their 75th and two others their 80th religious anniversary. Sister Alba Letelier, Congregational Leader, was among the invitees as well as other members of the Congregational Leadership Team, staff members, companions, and facilitators.

Monsignor Jean-Jacques Martin, Father Abbot Gabriel Villemure and Father Jacques Lefebvre, OFM, celebrated the Eucharistic, which was recorded and streamed live on Facebook.

These 21 women dedicated themselves without any reservations to follow Jesus Christ, and to live the Charism and Mission received by Blessed Emilie Tavernier-Gamelin. They excelled in different fields, such as education, caring for the sick, pastoral care, social and community work, and in any of the areas where they were asked for help. Their self-sacrifice has been full of noble generosity.

After the religious ceremony, the celebrations continued at the Providence Hall, where the jubilarians, sisters and guests shared a splendid meal, while watching a slide presentation of photos and the number of religious years of each jubilarian. These drew the general applause of the audience.

Joy and gratitude marked this day in honor of the jubilarians.

Cristina Raski, CSC Member