One of Fr George Lewis’ ministries as parish priest of Maloney RC Church is visiting the sick and “shut-ins”.

Cecelia Sargeant receives her Communion from Fr George Lewis

On Sunday, November 11, he went to visit Cecelia Sargeant with three lay ministers in tow.

It was a special day for Mrs Sargeant as surrounded by relatives and friends at the home of Glenda Douglas, her good friend and neighbour, she celebrated her 100th birthday!

The small gathering joined in singing hymns, reciting the Rosary (Joyful) and praising God.

Cecelia Sargeant, formerly Deboulette, was born in Moruga in 1907. She worked at her hometown as a Post Mistress, and then moved to San Juan, where she met Claude Sargeant. After they were married, they moved to Red Hill, D’Abadie, where Mrs Sargeant served her community as a Post Mistress once again.

Cecelia had no children of her own. She adopted Carmen Rojas, who gave her grand, great grand and great-great grandchildren. Albertina Rojas, Cecelia’s childhood friend, was also present and she will celebrate her 92nd birthday next month.

Ten years ago Mrs Sargeant was livelier, singing hymns and recounting her childhood days when lay ministers visited her. At 100 years old, she sat quietly with her head bowed, as if in deep prayer.

Although she neither spoke nor sang, we all had the feeling she acknowledged our presence and appreciated the birthday cake and bouquet presented to her by the Maloney RC Church.