On Easter Sunday, we celebrated the 65th jubilee of our “5 iron ladies“ in Haus Salus, Mülhausen.
Originally, the celebration had been planned for 2nd May, but, as it has repeatedly been said during these weeks, “This year, everything is different because of Corona“.
As it seemed very uncertain whether we would be able or allowed to celebrate the Eucharist again on 2nd May and as no guests can be invited, either, – even Sister Josefa Maria cannot participate – the idea arose to celebrate the jubilee of our Sisters M. Prudentia, M. Gertrudis, M. Raphaele, M. Aureliana, and M. Theogarde on 13th April, the real day of their profession. Sr. M. Theogarde, who had already made her profession on 12th April, was also very happy about this idea. In 1955, the 12th/13th April were on the Tuesday and Wednesday within the Octave of Easter; this year, the day of the jubilee is on Easter Monday, another reason to bring the celebration forward. And so the feast day with the theme “Did not our hearts burn within us?“ was completely in accordance with the mystery of Easter and the Emmaus story.
The day began with the solemn Easter Lauds in our chapel, which was festively decorated and flooded with sunlight – and, of course, we kept the prescribed distance.
Some Sisters and the other residents were able to participate via television in the celebration in the chapel.
During the subsequent time for congratulations, you could see the different gestures with which the Sisters expressed their good wishes and blessings.
Since we do not have a suitable room where we can sit keeping the prescribed distance, three of us – representative of all – had breakfast with the jubilarians at festively decorated tables. Then and later at lunch, memories were shared; the conversations were lively and joyful.
During the beautifully prepared service of Word and Communion, we felt that the Risen Lord was among us and that he journeys with us, especially during this difficult time.
For coffee and supper, the jubilarians stayed in their respective living areas together with the other residents there. The whole day was marked by joyful calm and concluded with the Easter Vespers.
Compared to former jubilee celebrations, which had always been connected with a lot of preparation and excitement, this celebration can be called an “intimate” one, which was highly appreciated by the jubilarians themselves.
Report by Sr. M. Petra Linzenich
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPeZIUOn5Gg
by Dreamhost