Northeast - USA

Birthday Celebration Across the World

Community— one of our Affiliate Pillars: how better to experience it than to celebrate the milestone 100th birthday of Maryknoll Sister Helen Werner with the Guatemala Affiliate Chapter.

Affiliate Santa Orlando, of the Albany, NY Chapter, reported: Rosa Beatriz and Rosa Maria of the Guatemala Chapter, arranged for Rich and Denise Lessard and me to visit Guatemala City for this occasion. Their hospitality and friendship added to the sense of warmth and friendship I already felt for the Guatemalan people. Meeting Sisters Helen and Connie in 2009 set the stage for this flourishing relationship that has increased via visits and Skype conversations on a regular basis. The purpose of this trip was to affirm relationships through a celebration of love with Maryknoll Sisters and Affiliates. Visiting without an agenda offered all parties the opportunity to get to know each other on a deeper level; we shared delicious meals, many laughs and wonderful conversations. Sr. Helen’s birthday party was a beautiful tribute to her many years in Guatemala. Being present to hear young and old express how she has touched their lives was a blessing. Hearing Helen address the crowd in Spanish with joy and love was indeed a highlight. The Maryknoll Sisters’ presence and charisma in Guatemala and the US has been a huge catalyst in the development of the Affiliate chapters. Affiliates in Guatemala and Albany, NY, have been paying attention; we have taken the steps to form lasting relationships to sustain communication and friendships to take us into the future. We look forward to spending quality time together bonded by our Maryknoll commitment to celebrate what we share as members of the global community.