- Date of publication 02-05-2007 January 11th, 2007 was a bitterly cold day in Edmonton, Canada. Although the outside temperature hovered around minus 30 degrees the love and warmth of those gathered for a special celebration created a ray of sunshine for Sister Gloria who was soon to leave to join our missionaries in Lima, Peru......
The Canadian Province took the occasion of Sr. Cecile Goyer’s visit home to officially mission Gloria to her future mission. The Sisters, many Associates, friends and staff of Notre Dame Residence came together that afternoon to show their support for Gloria and the Peruvian Mission.
The theme of the celebration was “Weaver God” and the reading from the Book of Exodus, chapter 35, reminded us that God gives to each person a special talent and gift for the building of God’s kingdom. The prayers, hymns, intercessions and reflections all spoke of our call to service especially to those who are most in need of love and compassion. We are all interconnected on our journey toward the Kingdom and to symbolize this reality each of the participants was invited to weave a strand of multi-colored wool onto a rudimentary loom which will accompany Gloria to Peru. During this weaving time soft music was played and we were invited to reflect on our own gift and commitment in living out each day the mission Christ calls us to wherever we are.
A center of beauty had been arranged and when the weaving part was finished the loom was placed there. There followed a prayer of a call to Mission when we were reminded that our own call and service flows from Jesus’ own calling and that down through the ages many persons have responded generously to God’s invitation. Sr. Cecile then affirmed Gloria in the name of the Congregation and sent her to witness to God’s love among the people in Peru. Then Réjeanne and Mary Ellen joined Cecile and together everyone prayed this prayer:
“May the Christ who walks on wounded feet walk with you to the end of the road,
May the Christ who serves with wounded hands teach you to serve others,
May the Christ who loves with a wounded heart be your love forever,
When you go out, may you see the face of Jesus in everyone you meet…….”
Sister Gloria thanked everyone for the part they played in her life and in this celebration and assured them that she would think of them and pray with and for them as she undertakes this new adventure on her life journey. Everyone was invited to partake of a delicious lunch and a pleasant time of friendship and sharing continued as many of the participants said a last au-revoir to Gloria and wished her well.
written by Sister Mary Ellen O'Neill
© Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Evron
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