Archives 2009-2010

[You can click on some photos below for a larger image]

Christmastide Luncheon | >| Sr. Rosario's 50th Jubilee |
St. Monica's 50th anniversary |

Christmastide Luncheon

[Our thanks to Associate Lucille Smith for sending this account of the Christmastide gathering]

On Sunday 3rd January 2010, Holy Faith Sisters and Associates participated in our Christmas Luncheon at the Convent in Woodbrook. As we entered the beautifully decorated hall, we experienced the festive feeling permeating the atmosphere. Smiling faces and warm New Year greetings could be seen and heard at every table.

[MC - Associate Ian Amoroso]

This was the time to renew old acquaintances and meet new family members, who had come from every corner of the island. The laughter, chatter, hugs and background Christmas music made us feel that each one had arrived home. Associate Ian Amoroso as MC set a fine atmosphere from the start.

To open the proceedings, after the Welcome by Sister Janice, we had a deeply meaningful Prayer Session centered on the Epiphany. During this prayer time we shared with those at our table how God had “punched a hole” in the darkness of our lives, as the star that guided the Magi punched a hole in the darkness for them.

[Sr. Emerentia and Ann Marie Frederick enjoy a chat]

Then came the meal which was delicious, it brought back memories of Christmas Day at our own homes. We were encouraged to have seconds, but many of us decided not to, because we were thinking about dessert! We were not disappointed - tasty fruit cake and ice-cream finished the meal.

[Sr. Pacelli receives a gift of fruit
for the Siparia community
from Jacqueline Richards]

Finally came the exchange .......the gift of a Prayer Blessing which was prepared by each one before the day of the luncheon. This was a beautiful and meaningful experience. Partners were chosen by picking numbers, then each partner prayed the blessing he/she composed for his/her partner and exchanged prayer cards. Each Holy Faith community received a gift basket of fruit from the Associates.

		As all good things come to an end, our day also ended, but on a joyful note. All were filled spiritually and physically. We all left clutching our personal prayer card with the blessing which could be prayed all year through. We thank God for these instances which help us to see the loving Hands of God at work in our lives.
		[Singing Auld Lang Syne]

Celebrating 50 years of religious profession

“This is all I ever wanted.” This is how Sr. Rosario Hackshaw described the simple yet prayerful celebration of her 50th anniversary of Religious Profession.

The celebration of this milestone in her religious life began as her religious community, her family and three Spiritan Fathers, got into boats and made their way over to ‘the other side,’ down the islands.

As the heavens themselves proclaimed the glory of God, we joined with all of creation to give praise in the Holy Eucharist and to say ‘thank you’ for the 50 years that Sr. Rosario has LIVED as a Holy Faith Sister.

In his homily, Fr. Joe began by thanking God for Sr. Rosario’s family and her religious community, where her vocation has been nurtured. Without hesitation he reminded all of us present that ‘we have been sent into the world to make Christ present,’ as Sister has done ‘wherever we may find ourselves.’

[Sr. Rosario receiving Holy Communion from Fr. Michel de Verteuil.
Looking on is her sister, Elsa, Fr. Gregory Augustine and Fr. Joe Harris]

Following Mass, we continued with our celebration as we shared in a meal, enjoyed each other’s company and allowed ourselves to relax and to be loved by God who blessed us with great weather for swimming. Indeed, our day’s celebration was a reflection of the person with whom we celebrated: simple yet beautiful.

We continue to thank God for the gift of Sr. Rosario, for her response, for her example, for her willingness to give of herself to God and to the service of God’s people. For the many ways in which she has made and continues to make Christ present to those around her, we say a sincere THANK YOU!

50th Anniversary of St. Monica's Prep

The 50th anniversary of St. Monica’s Preparatory School was celebrated in May 2009. A number of gala events were held which were seen as the unveiling of “The Tapestry” of the last 50 years.

The first special event was a Thanksgiving Mass, celebrated by His Grace, Most Reverend Edward Gilbert and concelebrated by six priests which was held at St Theresa’s Church, Woodbrook where almost every St Monica’s student made his/her First Holy Communion.

[Sr. Monica's crest has the Holy Faith motto
"One Lord, One Faith" in Latin]

On Saturday, the Dinner and Awards Evening entitled, “Through the Years” took place in the Hyatt Regency and the evening proved to be one of fun, entertainment and lots of fond memories as former students and staff members of St Monica’s met, greeted and dined together. Sr. Eunan Gallagher, who had been principal in St. Monica’s for 38 years returned from Ireland for the celebration, accompanied by Sr. Colman Clancy, who had also spent many years in Trinidad.

To weave the final threads of the Tapestry, St Monica’s celebrated on May 16 with a Gala Sports and Family Day at St Mary’s Grounds from 9 am – 2 pm where, once again, the memories of days gone past, when St. Monica’s Prep held Opening Demonstrations the likes of which were only seen at events as grand as the Opening of the Summer Olympics, were revived.

A Unique Record

What have these two pictures got in common?

A visitor to St. Monica's Prep is immediately struck by the strong school spirit. This is obviously appreciated from generation to generation as the students above are all children of past-pupils of St. Monica's. Not only that! - the teachers, Keisha Knox and Giselle Tardieu, in the second picture are past-pupiils also.