The following article appears in the September issue of The Christian Herald: The Catholic Diocese of Belize City & Belmopan
Sacred Heart Parish in Dangriga was filled on Sunday, August 31, with women, men, and children there to celebrate the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth’s 50th Jubilee. September 1 marked the 50th year the Sisters have been in ministry in Belize.
The Mass brought in many families and friends from across Belize, representing the areas the Sisters served in ministry with the people. And it all began in 1975 in the Stann Creek District when two Sisters of Charity of Nazareth visited Dangriga, Belize, the year before.
Provincial Barbara Flores, SCN, said in her welcome remarks, “Thank you, Dangriga and our villages of the entire district for your wonderful reception of us then and now.”
Sister Barbara recognized the Belizeans who chose as their vocation to become Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, “even daughters of the soil of Belize became Sisters of Charity, from Punta Gorda by way of Dangriga, from San Antonio, from Cayo, and from Belize City.”
She also spoke of the women and men religious who had preceded the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, “we became part of a diocese in which several congregations of women and men religious had for a century and more served the Church generously and courageously. These were Jesuits, Pallottine Sisters, Mercy Sisters and Holy Family, to name a few, who supported us and even offered temporary living space.”
She thanked the Bishops and local clergy of the Diocese for the partnership over the years.
“We were joined in ministry and partnership by Dominican Sisters of Peace. We are grateful for the relationship. Today, we partner with our Sisters of Charity of Halifax.” She also recognized the Daughters of Charity who attended the Jubilee celebration.
Sister Barbara spoke about the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth’s Associate Program, a program made up of women and men who want to deepen their spirituality, build community, and reach out in service. The Associate relationship continues to grow and thrive with approximately 207 SCN Associates, which includes Associates from Belize, India, Botswana, and the U.S.
In addition to the hundreds of people who joined the Sisters in Mass, many Sisters who could not travel were able to watch the livestream. These Sisters were so grateful to witness, especially those who had served alongside the people of Belize many years ago.
Sister Beverly Hoffman, who lived and served with the people of Belize for 17 years, shared from the Charism of the Constitutions of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth: “In prayer, we become aware of the call of the Spirit. Simplicity and humility maintain in us a readiness to respond to that call and encourage us to take risks as we search out with our neighbors our mutual needs.”
In his homily, Father Brian Christopher, SJ, reminded parishioners of the importance of humility. Humility, he said, at the heart comes from a Latin word meaning dirt or earth. He connected that with Ash Wednesday and said we are all from the same substance, the people, the animals, plants, and all living things. And to that we will return, no matter a billionaire or a pauper, no matter your race or gender. Humility is not putting yourself on a pedestal, nor is it putting yourself down. It’s about being right-sized. It’s about being yourself. He mentioned a recent interview with Sister Carlette Gentle, a Sister of Charity of Nazareth, who said, “You can be yourself, and be one of us!”
Father Brian thanked the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth for the groundwork begun with the lay ministers. “We are all called to minister in this church; it requires humility to realize that.” He spoke about the importance of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth working to translate Masses into the local languages. He said the Church can be Eurocentric, and this was an affirmation in humility. “We still need it as much as we did in 1975,” he said.
He thanked the Sisters and said, “Let’s continue to work for a Church where everyone is welcome at the heavenly banquet table, let’s pray for that day.”
The Prayers of the Faithful were then given in multiple languages: English, Maya, Garifuna, Spanish, and Creole. Mrs. Ernestine Usher concluded, “Let us pray for peace in the world, that the Jubilee Year may inspire hearts to work toward the restoration of peace here in Belize and among nations. We pray in gratitude for all SCNs, SCN Associates, and collaborators gone before us to their eternal home.”
As part of the multicultural celebration, three Sisters of Charity of Nazareth performed the Aarti, which is a sacred ritual with roots in Indian religious tradition and culture, using incense and flowers at Eucharist as an act of total surrender to God.
The joyous Mayan marimba and Garifuna drums reverberated through Sacred Heart Parish, recalling the beauty of the last 50 years, and continued at the celebration that followed nearby. All were welcomed to join the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth for a meal and celebration.
The words of Sisters of Charity of Nazareth President Jackulin Jesu, SCN, were shared with those gathered for the meal, “This Jubilee is more than a celebration of years; it is a testament to God’s enduring fidelity and the love, courage, and self-gift of every Sister of Charity of Nazareth who has walked the soil of Belize, served its people, and been transformed by its grace. Together, you have woven a story of faith, compassion, and service – a legacy of presence that continues to shine brightly.”
To see photos from the celebration, click here.
The Mass of celebration can be viewed below: