The members of the International Centre Board planned a farewell party for Sr. Eluiza and Olga who have served at the Centre for the past 10 years.
It started out with a lovely prayer service of "Gratitude and Appreciation". After lighting a candle whose flame symbolized "gratitude to God and our prayer for the grace that will guide them into the mission that lies ahead," the group extended their hands in a prayer of blessing as the duo move on to a new mission and the journeys ahead.
This beautiful song, "Thank you, Lord" by Don Moen, was featured during the prayer service.
Sr. Mary Jo recognized both staff members with these words.
Dear Eluiza, we sincerely appreciate and thank you for your quiet strength, your inborn nature of hospitality, your love for caring for the common good, your faithful stewardship in dealing with finance, your vigilance in matters of safety and security. Your gift with languages brought people together in a true spirit of Unity. With your steady presence this Centre has remained a place of welcome and peace. May God continue to work through you in this world that so needs your sense of welcome and peace.
Dear Olga, we acknowledge and highly value your gift of communication, through which you have made the Centre and its activities available for people around the globe. The stories you have shared through newsletters, blogs, and photos and the work that you have done on the website and social media have allowed the global family of St. Joseph to connect and made the mission of the Centre available and visible across the world. Your welcoming spirit is remarkable. You have waited and warmly received the guests and pilgrims at the train or bus station. Visitors felt at home immediately in your company. May God reward your generous spirit.
We were asked to say a few words after the prayer service. Eluiza spoke fluidly while Olga sniffled through most of her talk.
Sr. Catherine presents us with gifts of lace, flowers, and a check.
Sr. Catherine (left) and Sr. Marie Paule planned the luncheon through one of the local caterers who provided fancy French tea sandwiches and tasty French desserts.
Sisters Celine (left) and Mary Jo (right) planned the awesome prayer service.
Here are some of the sisters who attended the farewell party. Sr. Simone, our good friend and faithful French-English translator, talks with Sr. Marie Paule (left). The sisters of St. Maurice (#13) were on hand to celebrate with us.
A few days later, the GCG members (their three-day meeting followed the Board meeting), gave us another gift: a painted fabric with a picture of the Kitchen on it. Sr. Judy Donovan, superior general of the Lyon Congregation, presented us with the gift.
And now it's time to say good-bye to the Centre and all the people we have encountered. We give you all many thanks for the privilege of serving in this incredible ministry of hospitality.
As for the future, Eluiza will move back to Brazil, and Olga will go to Lyon to teach English to the sisters there.
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