On Tuesday, the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary bid farewell to their Sister Cecile Lanovaz who had come to Canada since June. She is now a missionary in Kunkujang, Africa, doing pastoral work, this was Sister Cecilia’s dream to be a missionary since she had entered the Congregation. She has been there for at least 60 years. During her stay in Canada she rested, spent some time with her family, friends and took part in the Sisters’ community events.
While in her African mission, she learnt the Wolof language and adapted to the tropical climate. Her African zeal has not stopped, she continues to draw many people closer to Jesus as she spreads the good News in her milieu, reaching to those who desperately needs help.
She was one of the foundresses in 1968, with Sister Marguerite Camire p.m. from U.S.A.
She then was the Novice Director Assistant. Other times she was a principal, a teacher, worked at the retreat Centre, also she first introduced the new Catechism in all the Gambian schools and helped the teachers as they used the program. She also formed a diocesan pastoral team to train catechists and lay people and many numerous jobs. The Lord called her to have a servant’s heart, take a mission route to serve others and be a witness to the gospel.
Her mission is to spread the charism of our foundress, Saint Mother Rivier, to evangelize and spread the Word of God. The spirit of Saint Marie Rivier is still alive in the Gambia.
We enjoyed her friendship with us in Prince Albert. It is good to learn and know the life of another country where our missionaries live. We were enriched by her words of wisdom by sharing the culture of the Africans.
We wish her a safe trip back home as she returns to the Gambia with her companion Sister Rosine Sangyang p.m. who had volunteered during the year at the Sherbrooke community centre in Saskatoon.
We wish them both to continue to spread the fire of God’s love and the knowledge of Jesus Christ everywhere. May the Lord bless their ministries.
“To make Jesus Christ known and loved everywhere!”
