The community of Gran Couva, nestled in the scenic Montserrat hills – a place that proudly boasts of being producer of some of the best cocoa in the world – had good reason to celebrate on Sunday January 30, for it now has the parish's first Papal Blessing recipient.

Her name is Elizabeth Bellille, fondly called “Mother Bellille” or simply “Mother” by everyone. This Grande Dame was born to Jonathan and Henrietta Fyfe on July 21, 1907 .

The Fyfes had met each other in Trinidad having both migrated here from St Vincent in the days when cocoa was “king”. Elizabeth grew up in the Gran Couva community where she was born, and worked on several of the cocoa estates from the age of fourteen until well into her seventies.

Mother Bellille is a legend – a remarkable woman. This is a woman who does not allow her 97-year old body with its occasional aches and pains to keep her back.

She is a familiar sight walking up the hill with her stick on a Sunday morning going to Mass, even when it is cold outside. And don't be too anxious to give her a lift after Mass for she might just tell you that she needs the exercise.

Her faithfulness and commitment to God and Church are an inspiration and example to all of us who know her. Her presence is felt not only at Mass but also in other activities of the parish.

A few years ago when our parang services took us to different venues throughout the community, Mother would be there regardless of the distance. It is never a problem for her to get from one place to another, and if you ever say to her “Mother, it's so good to see you,” her response, now famous, would be: “Well girl, ah put mih body in place.”

Fr Christopher Lumsden presents the papal award to Elizabeth Bellille.

Translated, this means that she stood by the roadside well ahead of time so she could get a ride. She puts many of the younger parishioners to shame every year during our all-night Lenten vigil, for when some come and stay for a few hours, Mother spends the entire night. She comes armed with blanket and cushion – and stays.

She actively participates at Mass and in the various paraliturgies – the strong voice and halting speech unmistakably Mother's.

This 97-year young woman is jovial and full of spirit, and though her sight is no longer as keen as it used to be – up to last year she was still able to read her Apostleship of Prayer leaflet – her mind is sharp and she is very alert.

The parish of Gran Couva/Tabaquite and, more especially, the community of Gran Couva congratulate “Mother” for this great honour that has been bestowed upon her.

Many thanks to our parish priest, Fr Christopher Lumsden for his foresight and his recognition of the love, respect, admiration and esteem in which the community holds her. Her one surviving son (out of eight children), 36 grandchildren, 24 great grands and all who know her are truly blessed because of her.

We pray that the light of God's love will continue to shine upon her and that she is blessed with peace as long as life endures.