Saturday, May 17, 2025, was another joyous moment in the history of the Congregation. On that sun-drenched day, the jubilarians among the European sisters celebrating 50, 60, and 70 years of religious life were honored. About sixty sisters gathered at the Motherhouse Terhaegen in Ghent for the jubilee celebration. All the sisters were warmly welcomed by the international community and the General Council from Brussels. For many, it was a happy reunion after a long time.

The day began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Mgr. Luc Van Looy, Bishop Emeritus of Ghent, and concelebrated by Father Paul Van Puyenbroeck. The theme of the celebration was that of the current Church Jubilee Year: "Pilgrims of Hope." The liturgy was celebrated in the three official languages of the Congregation, and our prayer and singing were supported by the choir from Massemen and the jubilant sound of the organ.

In his homily, Bishop Van Looy emphasized the importance of elders in religious life continuing to find ways to give shape to love. We quote a few passages:

"May your love become ever richer in insight and delicacy."…"In our vows we put it this way: ’That we are a sign of unfaltering love for every human being.’ This is how Jesus and Mary show their love to us: with insight and sensitivity, because we know- sense - what the other desires. It is about knowing ‘how’ to show our love, and how we ‘can’, at our age.
With age we grow in sensitivity, but we should also look for new ways to show our love.
We are sometimes very concerned about whether we can still evangelize; could it not be the way we show our love?"…"However, one thing is certain: once a Sister of Charity, always a Sister of Charity.During the intercessions, we sang ’Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.’ So, we need look no further: where there is love, there is God; no other strategies are needed. It will not depend on pastoral plans or grand statements and proclamations; he who has love has God, and we want to show that. We can become teachers of love in all situations and at any age, and show that we love people."

This celebration was followed by a friendly reception in the cloister corridor, offering everyone the opportunity to congratulate the jubilarians. Guests were then invited to a festive lunch prepared by staff and volunteers and served at beautifully decorated tables in the Terhaegen dining room.

During the meal, Sister Lucy Jacob, Superior General, took the floor to express her heartfelt thanks to the jubilarian for their great dedication over the years. The General Councillors presented each jubilarians with a gift in the form of a beautiful jubilee candle.

The whole day was a joyful gathering for all present, where the Cor unum, Anima una was lived to the fullest.

Geert Boone

Please click here to view the photos of the celebration.