The blare of trumpets filled the St Joseph’s Convent (Port of Spain) Chapel last Sunday evening to signal the official launch of bicentennial anniversary celebrations of the Caribbean Province of the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny (SJC).

But the SJC Provincial Superior noted that the celebration was not only about the recognition of the order’s 200-year history. “This is celebrating you,” stated Sr Gabrielle Mason, addressing a sizeable congregation of former pupils, principals and teachers, current staff, parents, and the families of the Sisters. “This is celebrating your being, your friendship, your cooperation and your support.”

Tracing their history in the region, Sr Gabrielle recalled that the Congregation came to Trinidad in 1836. Referring to their motto “The holy will of God”, Sr Gabrielle said they have been motivated to serve, even in the face of fewer vocations, because of their commitment to God’s holy will. “These 200 years of service have been a Benediction…but it needs continuity,” she remarked.

She said many of the Sisters would not be around in the next 100 years and invited interested young women to join the congregation to ensure its survival. She prayed in gratitude for those Sisters who came from their native Ireland to serve and who have since returned home, and also led the congregation in a moment of silence for all the Sisters who have passed away, including Sr Francis Xavier Urich, the first local Provincial.

Sr Gabrielle said the year-long celebrations would close next November 10, with the high point being on May 12, the day the order was founded. She then declared the bicentennial year open. And, on queue, two members of the Police Band sounded their trumpets from the balcony.

The Mass began with students representing SJC-run schools in the Caribbean processing into the chapel with national flags of their respective territories. They were followed by Cluny Sisters of the province. The St Joseph’s Convent, St Joseph school choir led the singing, accompanied by a pianist, guitarists, violinists and the drums of Mawasi Experience’s Peter Telfer and David Charles.

Archbishop Edward Gilbert was chief celebrant and homilist, with more than ten priests concelebrating. Fr Garfield Rochard proclaimed the gospel.
Papal Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop Thomas Gullickson, was seated in the sanctuary.

Among others who joined the Sisters for the occasion were former President Arthur NR Robinson, his wife Patricia (a past pupil), their daughter Margaret, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Christine Sahadeo and Professor Courtenay Bartholomew.

The Archbishop spoke of the history of the Cluny Sisters in his sermon, examining the life of the foundress in light of the day’s readings.

Explaining that Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey lived during the French Revolution, he said she lived in the “midst of danger” as the goal of the Revolution was to de-christianise France, yet she taught children the Catechism during that period. “She had an unbreakable faith…and a dynamic love,” he stated.

He noted that she founded the Cluny Sisters in her youth – age 28 – and with only nine women, including her biological sisters. He added that the Cluny Sisters were not only “a gift to the Church but a gift to the Archdiocese”, as the Sisters had “helped raise the condition of women in Trinidad and Tobago” by being faithful to their charism – education.

Archbishop Gilbert pointed to Javouhey’s perseverance, saying she faced many obstacles but they never stopped her. “There were times when the path was clear…and times when it was not clear,” he said, adding that she learned to take risks, risks that were significant but which aided the growth of the congregation she had founded.

Tying in the gospel reading, the archbishop said the situations Javouhey faced helped increase her trust in God and she developed the characteristics of discipleship, total commitment and generous self-giving – giving of time, talent and treasure.

He noted that some people gave time, talent and treasure “out of [their] leftovers”. He said the day’s Gospel was challenging as it “brings us out of our comfort zone”.

The archbishop ended by saying there was much to learn from Anne Marie Javouhey as there were similarities between her time and the present. While she faced the French Revolution and its aim to de-christianise France, he said, in our time there was a movement toward neo-paganism to de-christianise the world.

“She faced obstacles without discouragement and became stronger. Why can’t we do the same?” the archbishop asked rhetorically. “She moved outward. Today, the Church is trying to protect itself…We should react in the same way by being open to the spirit.”

He surmised that the problem might be that secularisation was already present in the Church and so it was difficult to generate the energy and enthusiasm to do what must be done.

Archbishop Gilbert said that as the Cluny Sisters begin their bicentennial year, “the time has come for the Catholic community to come together, just as Blessed Anne Marie got people together, to get the job done. We are not only celebrating history, but celebrating the future….”

The Intercessory prayers were offered by Sr Mary Margaret Maloney for family life, vocations and deceased Sisters. The collection went toward a special Jubilee Fund.

Before the final blessing, the Papal Nuncio offered his best wishes on behalf of the Holy Father and all at the Nunciature, and Sr Aloysius Ashby launched her book, ABC of Saints, with complimentary copies being presented to the Nuncio and the archbishop. Dr Maria Byron did the introductions. Dinner in the courtyard followed.