Shockwaves swept over the congregation at the 6 a.m. Thanksgiving Mass on December 23, when worshippers learnt from parish priest Fr Benedict Hilaire that the Mass was being offered for Victoria Lewis née Shennon who was celebrating her 103 rd birthday that day.

Winston Lewis, her eldest son, who ably replaced her deceased husband as head of her family, represented his devoted mother at the Mass that cold and misty morning at the Holy Cross Church , Santa Cruz .

Immediately after Mass, the parish priest headed for the residence of Carmen, her daughter, at Sunny Acres, Sam Boucaud where Victoria 's family and friends were awaiting the priest's arrival.

The celebrated centenarian, being of "the old school" was of the right disposition and preparation for the reception of the two sacraments: Anointing and Eucharist with those present surrounding her with their prayers, responses, hymns and fraternal attention.

After the priest's blessing of the home and his invocations on the family's behalf, the immediate effect of the sacraments showed itself in the sweet and gracious smile that appeared on Victoria 's smooth and pretty face.

"Papa God has me living this long", was the answer to her long life.

Six of her nine children are alive, as are her 21 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.

The Mass and the two sacraments were the best birthday and Christmas gift Victoria could have received from her children.

By the time everyone had finished having breakfast the morning mist had disappeared and the sun was bathing Sunny Acres.

Thank you heavenly Father for your sustaining power in Victoria 's life and for the loving care and concern of her children.