Celebration in Peru

By Sister Patricia Larkin 

May 13, 2007 was a very historic day for our Peruvian missions as Sister Lastenia Paz Reina pronounced her final vows. Gradually over the days of the previous week, Sister Francis Clare De Gracia made many trips to the airport to pick up Sisters Grace Anne Dillenschneider, Donna Evans, Helen Hofmann, Ann Kenyon, Patricia Larkin, Laurine McDonald, Rose Ann Reichlin, Rose Ann Renna, Maria Salerno and Baptiste Westbrook.  Sister Cristina had thoughtfully borrowed beds from another Convent so we could all be together during our visit. Many activities filled our days. Of course there was shopping for souvenirs, long enjoyable evenings as we talked or played Bingo, and exciting rides on the local public transportation where frequent acts of contrition were in order for our near death experiences. Cristina’s cousins invited us to their home for a delicious dinner and a fun filled evening. Francis Clare took us to Quebrada Verde to visit St. Rose’s School and on the way we stopped at Sister Blanches’s grave. The teacher’s at the school prepared Peruvian food and entertained us with native dances as they celebrated Clare’s birthday in style.

May 13 was beautiful sunny day. The Franciscan parish of St. Francis of Assisi was a proper setting for the mass with its majestic mosaics of St. Francis and the birds, the crucifix and Our lady with the infant Jesus across the sanctuary. Our presider, Bishop Salvador Pineiro Garcia-Calderon was no stranger. Francis Clare knew him when he was a seminarian, Christine’s office is in the Chancery and he supervises the Naval Hospital where Lastenia works. He knows of our sisters’ work from past days in Pativilca to the present in Quebrada Verde where he was present two years ago for the blessing of the school. His homily was so motivating that several women asked to become associates.  Throughout the entire Mass, we felt as one family joined with all in the states in thought and prayer. Grace Anne received  Lastenia’s vows and all Sisters present came up to give her a blessing. Patricia Burkard sent a message expressing her sorrow at being absent and thanking all for accompanying Lastenia on her journey. At the end of Mass we went over to the Parish Hall for the reception. Delicious finger foods had been prepared and a wonderful angel made of vegetables was the centerpiece. Everyone received a NunBetter chocolate crucifix and a boxed piece of cake. None of us will soon forget this day and its spirit of unity across borders and varying customs. We are so grateful for the gift of representing our community to the people of Peru.