1 July 2025. A summer's day in Europe. The thermometers showed high temperatures, but among the guests of the celebration there was a pleasant climate and the heat was only for reasons of joy. The four jubilarians were pampered by a pleasant temperature, and the presence of friends ensured cosiness and well-being.
The event took place in Beugen, where Sister Imelda Bieger and Mrs. Lilian Koks welcomed everyone with joy, especially the jubilarians: Sister M. Desiree, 70 years of religious life, Sister Magdalien and Sister Jeannetti, both 65 years of religious life, and the collaborator Mrs. Carla Roeven, 40 years of service with the sisters.
The celebration began at 10.30 a.m. with Father Jo Janssen being the celebrant and Dré Gommans as the pianist.
The motto of the celebration was: "Remember the past with gratitude and move forward in hope". In his reflections, the priest emphasized that through our faith in Divine Providence we participate in God's plan of creation and therefore must not dwell on the past or sink into the present, but must look to the future. Through their service and vocation, the jubilarians have served God throughout their lives in various areas of life, each with their own originality.
The "Rite of Light" – seven lighted candles accompanied by existential prayers – emphasized our gratitude to God for the light of life and for the opportunities of service and grace that we receive at every stage of life.
In the ballroom, Sister Imelda, Sister Cornelia and Mrs. Lilian read short stories from the lives of the jubilarians and Mrs. Carla. During the festive day, coffee/tea and cake wwas served as well as a delicious lunch. Everything brought joy and satisfaction! Mrs. Edith composed songs with great talent that alluded to the jubilarians and sang for each of them; She also got all the participants singing.
Throughout the day, there were numerous moments of affection, gratitude and joy that made the day unforgettable.
The sisters celebrated and expressed their missionary commitment by refraining from gifts and instead accepting donations for the new mission in São Tomé and Príncipe, where the "Province of the Sisters of Divine Providence in Brazil" has begun a new mission.
Life and mission go on, by always trusting in the presence of the Triune God!