The Caribbean Province of the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny (SJC) ended their year-long bicentennial anniversary celebrations last week Saturday, looking back as well as looking forward.

“Today is a great day, a day to rejoice and be glad, a day of thanksgiving,” declared SJC Provincial Superior Sr Gabrielle Mason, as she welcomed all to the concelebrated Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

She said while it was the end of the SJC’s bicentennial, it was the beginning of their tercentennial. And, last week Saturday – November 10 – held much significance for the SJC as it was also the birthday of their foundress, Blessed Ann Marie Javouhey, who was born in 1779 during the days of the French Revolution. Sr Gabrielle described her as a vision of hope and trust. “Javouhey is the reason we are here,” she said.

Sr Gabrielle added that though the foundress was born in a simple French village, she touched every continent including Africa, where she “broke barriers of race, culture, colour and position”.

Archbishop Gilbert offers the Sign of Peace to Sr Mary Margaret Maloney at last Saturday’s Mass in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Also in the picture are Sr Reina Loe-Sack-Sioe (front) and Srs Juliana Alexander, Maria Clarke and Jerome Boland Raymond Syms photo

Concluding her welcome, Sr Gabrielle asked the congregation to pray for the SJC community in the Caribbean, to forgive them for whatever wrongs they had committed, and to pray that others might follow in their footsteps.

More than 19 priests concelebrated, with Archbishop Edward Gilbert as chief celebrant. Msgr Cyril Lamontagne of the diocese of St George’s, Grenada, was present, while Fr Sanchez represented Papal Nuncio Archbishop Thomas Gullickson.

Among the dignitaries present were former Trinidad and Tobago presidents Sir Ellis Clarke and Arthur N R Robinson, who was accompanied by his daughter Margaret. The principals and vice principals, as well as teachers and students of several schools run by the Cluny Sisters were also present.

A moment of special significance came during the Penitential Rite when Chancellor Sr Ann Marie Rodriguez led the Sisters in asking forgiveness for the times when they had failed by not helping the poor, showing disrespect and prejudice, promoting exclusivity and injustice, not ministering in their pastoral work and acting contrary to the spirit of the gospel and their foundress.

After Vicar General Msgr Christian Pereira proclaimed the Gospel, the archbishop delivered the homily and said while the Sisters could be proud of their history, “the goal of any community that is alive is to also look forward” and to not only look at challenges but also opportunities.

He urged the Sisters to “not turn in on yourselves but move forward, move outward”, to continue working to meet the educational and spiritual needs of their students. He reminded the Cluny Congregation that “trust in God’s providence is essential”. (See Archbishop’s Column).

The Liturgy continued in the usual manner with Sisters offering intercessory prayers and presenting the gifts.

An appreciation was given by Sr Juliana Alexander before Sr Gabrielle returned a final time to officially close the year’s celebrations, which had comprised several activities including a walk for peace and an exhibition at the National Library.

Sr Juliana expressed gratitude to God, her Sisters, their parents, affiliates and associates, students and past pupils, and those who celebrated and contributed to the bicentennial year celebration.

Sr Gabrielle described the year as one of “grace, challenge, pain and joy” which, though now ended, marked a new beginning.

Following Mass, the congregation was invited to the adjacent Catholic Centre for refreshment. Later, a luncheon was held for invited guests at St Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain.
- RS