On the eve of her birthday, April 17th, 2009, we celebrated, at Maison Jésus-Marie, Sister Elizabeth Bousque’s 100th birthday.
A special Mass was celebrated, during which Sister Elizabeth had the joy of renewing her vows and expressing a deep-felt thanksgiving. According to her request, hymns were sung in English, French and Latin.
At the end of Mass, Sister Evelyn Bastien, leader of Maison Jésus-Marie, presented Sister Elizabeth with the precious and traditional papal blessing.
At 14h, a very special collation was served in her honour, attended by invited guests: Father Gilles Ménard, Sister Evelyn Bastien, Sister Suzanne Lavallée, her long-time friend, Sister Gabrielle Lanteigne, Sister Gisèle Lalande, along with all of her companions on the first floor.
After two tributes, special for this occasion, the first given in English by Sister Rita Bracken, the second, in French, by Sister Maryse Moisan, everyone raised a glass to toast the health of the jubilarian. (PDF file below) Then a superb cake, on which was inscribed: “Congratulations
To Sister Elizabeth’s great surprise, she received, due to the planning of one of her former students at Hochelaga Convent, the wishes of Mr. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, and those of Mrs. Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada.
It goes without saying, that Sister Elizabeth experienced deep emotions on that great day. She could not stop thanking all those who had organized the feast. She praised God and God’s great love, for having allowed her to share with her religious family, the special graces of celebrating her 100th birthday.
Maryse Moisan, s.n.j.m.