On the evening of May 22, Yolande Knox-Wight marked her birthday with a special Mass at the Church of the Nativity. 

Yolande had served Nativity for over 30 years with great dedication and this was an effort by priests and parishioners to say “thank you”.

Concelebrating were Fathers Leo Donovan, George Pritchett and David Oliveire. Yolande used to accompany the priest to the homes of the sick and housebound. 

Actually this is how I met her, as she came with the priest who brought my mother Holy Communion. Interestingly enough she took this opportunity to entice me to join her in service to the Church.

She has assisted at Baptisms, weddings and funerals.  She has helped in decorating the altar, served as secretary and prepared the altar for Mass. 

Fr George Pritchett making presentation to Mrs Yolande Knox-Wight

At Nativity there are three Masses at weekdays and two on weekends.  She used to attend all of them and she can still be seen on Saturday evenings attending to the sale of Catholic News and Living Faith booklets.

The Mass was joyful.  Yolande was greeted before Mass, during the Sign of Peace and after Mass with hugs and kisses.  When I greeted her during the Sign of Peace she said,  “I am embarrassed.”  This demonstrates the simple and humble person she is.  She was taken back by the plaudits.

At the homily Fr. Leo spoke of her unstinting service and the difficulties she endured giving that service. He however reminded us that she imitated Our Lord who washed His disciples’ feet.

During the Mass the choir enlivened the service by leading with appropriate hymns.  After Holy Communion Dr. Michael Low Chew Tung and Janice Hepburn sang special songs in Yolande’s honour. 

Elsa Mc Connie gave an inspiring dedication on behalf of the parish.  She spoke of the work Yolande did and the love she evoked.

Valier Fraser made two presentations on behalf of  the parish, a basket of goodies by Leonie Bellemare and a basket of flowers.  Both these persons worked closely with Yolande in secretarial and altar service.

Fr. Leo invited the congregation to partake of light refreshments after Mass.  There is no event on earth more important than Holy Mass.  This is why someone as committed as Yolande was given a special Mass on her birthday. 

This is something she deserved and I know she appreciated.