Celebrating a Jubilee – Prince Albert Sk. – May 18, 2025

The day began with the celebration of the Eucharist presided by Reverend Father Maurice Fiolleau, Vicar of the Diocese of Prince Albert. Some family and friends joined us in the beautiful singing throughout the Mass. It was truly uplifting!

Father Maurice’s homily honored “The faithful witness of three remarkable religious Sisters who have dedicated their lives to Christ and His Church.” He noted that the combination of those years totaled 190 years of service! He also said that like Paul and Barnabas “Their lives have been a living witness to perseverance, enduring challenges with faith, and trusting in God’s providence.” As images of the New Jerusalem, “they have helped build a community where God’s love is tangible, where hearts are healed, and where hope is renewed.” The Sisters’ “yes” has echoed through the decades, touching lives and helping shape the church. At Communion time, the Jubilarians and the sisters renewed their vows, as they sang ”Hearts on Fire”, as a reminder to live with faith, courage and joy in shining testimony to God’s love. We than shared a delicious banquet lovingly prepared by our staff.

Sister Emma Rousseau had organized the afternoon program which highlighted qualities and past experiences of each Jubilarian.  The theme song “Give me Oil in my Lamp” punctuated the program throughout.  The oil lamp represents the faith and truth, it sheds light on our whole being and it guides us on our daily path.

Sister Lise Paquette showed a video “Célébrons ensemble nos jubilaires” briefly illustrating aspects of the lives of each Jubilarian.  After so many years of service she says, your lives continue with all the colors of the rainbow.  During this Jubilee year may the rainbow be a symbol of hope, promise and new beginnings.   It is like a bridge between the earth and the divine, and is often seen as a sign of God’s covenant.  God said:                                                                                                                                                                    

“I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you.’(Gen. 9, 13)

Then our two young Vietnamese Sisters: Sr. Kieu and Sr.Hao, in a cultural dance interpreted spiritual joy and praise to the Lord.  Their graceful movements and jubilant music were a fitting tribute for God’s gifts throughout the years.

In presentations by three groups, we recalled anecdotes, talents and gifts still alive in our memories of the lives of each Jubilarian.

As a teacher, we remember Sr. Anita’s facility for making friends with students, colleagues and Indigenous people.  She loves to take care of house plants and in the summer she loves to do gardening.                                                                                                                                                                 

We evoked Sr. Zelie’s many achievements as a woman of faith, a well-remembered teacher and a zealous Pastoral Assistant for Sacred Heart Cathedral.  After retirement, her many skills and creativity for sewing and art served her well throughout the years.