A Special Celebration This Year
There were twenty of us aged 5 to 91 years, Muslim, Buddhist and Christian gathered for the first time after COVID to celebrate being with one another again or meeting each other for the first time. These were refugees associated with the Sisters of St Joseph Refugee Committee in Hamilton as well as members of the Committee.
We went around the circle and asked what each was looking forward to over the holiday time. One woman said, ‘being with friends like you’ before tears began rolling down her cheeks. Another woman and her son were relieved after becoming permanent residents seven years after arriving in Canada. At this time last year, they had their plane tickets as they were being deported back to their home country even though they feared for their safety should that have happened. We are so thankful that those circumstances changed and we were able to celebrate together this year!
Everyone brought some food, and the variety was amazing. Games were played with the biggest hit being the old-fashioned game of Musical Chairs. Much laughter ensued.
I have the privilege of being included in many celebrations with family and other friends but this particular celebration will hold a very special place in my heart.
Image: Unsplash/Kolby Milton
May we all find and spread joy with being with others, whoever those ‘others’ may be. This is truly the joy and hope that God promises.
-Sister Nancy Sullivan, CSJ