The 100th birthday of our dear Sister Florence unfolded like a harmonious symphony in 3 movements.

1st MOVEMENT: Allegretto through the beautiful tribute paid to Sister Florence by our Sisters and Associates during the Christmas concert at Maison Jésus-Marie on December 8th. This concert was directed by S. Lorna Cooney, a former 3rd grade student of Sister Florence Gariépy.

After the concert, three Sisters went up to her room in the infirmary to present her with a beautiful plant, along with their best wishes.

2nd MOVEMENT: Affettuoso through the presence of a few invited guests and her companions from her floor to socialize and enjoy special “goodies” in a festive atmosphere of joy and friendship, on the actual day of her birthday. Sister Evelyn Bastien, “anmator” of the house, presented Sister Florence with a papal blessing which brought great happiness to her. Sister Rachel Fréchette sang a special blessing of Saint Francis Assisi to her.

3rd MOVEMENT: Amoroso through the warm welcome of about twenty of her family members who came the following day, December 15th, to celebrate this century of life with her. Four generations, ranging in age from 4 to 100, were present. Everyone declared their great love and admiration for her.

We sang together and then Sister Luce Boyer presented the century-long journey of our worthy centenarian following which some of the family shared some beautiful memories.

Sister Florence adapted well to each of these celebratory movements, and I would go so far as to say that her words were in “crescendo” from the very beginning of the 1st movement.

And the big “Finale” of this symphony was the eruption of joy and thanksgiving for this wonderful century of life which has been lived out in praise to the Lord, and in the light of the SNJM motto “Jesus and Mary, my strength and my glory”.