Our sister Marie-Gabrielle Desbois was getting more and more tired and Sr. Marie Thérèse Logodin was accompanying her in the last weeks of her life. On Holy Thursday, when it was announced that she had died the previous night, the news was accepted in faith and peace. Several sisters summed it up this way, “Now she is with the Lord!”
The rules of confinement were strictly followed. Our sister was waked in the St. Pie X hall, at the foot of the big cross, which had been set up with markings on the floor by the maintenance workers. Our “authorized” sisters were able to pray at her side as long as they weren’t more than four at a time.
The burial took place on Good Friday around 3 p.m. with a wink from the Lord! The undertakers came to place the remains in the coffin, which was closed in the presence of 3 members of her family. A group of pre-designated sisters waited at the outer door of the St. Pie X hall and the procession made its way, while respecting physical distancing, towards the cemetery. Many sisters were already there waiting, either inside or outside the cemetery, spread apart but united in the same prayer presided over by Father Jean Dréano. His word of welcome rang true and touched our hearts.
At the same time the sisters still at the Mother House followed the celebration in their rooms or community spaces, thanks to the chapel sound system where a small group of sisters, readers and singers, were gathered. Whether at the cemetery or the Mother House, we form but one heart and one soul to say to our sister, “Go with God”. Some of the sisters’ feedback was that “it was good”.
Sister Marie Thérèse Logodin emphasized how these days were a time of great fraternity and hope.
At the same time we are aware that we are in communion with the whole province and the sisters of the Congregation. In the joy of Easter, thank you everyone!
Sisters Paulette and Yvette
April 10, 2020