Such shared joy

By Sr. Rosemary Williamson, O.L.M.
May 2007

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Cecelia Mbazendan Akile receives the Eucharist from Sr. Gwen Legault at her compound. Sr. Gwen quotes an African proverb: "A real friend is one who comes when your house is on fire, not one who comes at harvest time!" to describe the type of friend she has tried to be to Cecilia ever since Cecelia fell on the fire she keeps lit in her hut for warmth. Fortunately her hut was spared but it has taken weeks of daily care to heal the serious burns on her leg and thigh. Sr. Gwen says, "Cecelia is one of many shut-ins who need our presence and services. I am grateful for this privilege of helping her and for the friends of Our Lady's Missionaries who have made this possible." After more than 30 years of ministry among the people of Vandeikya, Nigeria, Sr. Gwen has now returned to Toronto.

At a recent women's meeting in Koti parish in Vandeikya, Nigeria, one woman shyly asked me if I had a pair of glasses as she wanted to be able to read her Bible. A few days later when I was in her area, I asked directions to her compound and a young man graciously offered to show me the way. On entering the compound I received a warm welcome from all there. Hembadoon herself was sound asleep stretched out on a low bamboo chair. She obviously had returned a short time before from working on her farm.

Without delay Hembadoon was roused from sleep and greeted me with great delight when she saw the promised glasses. Having put them on, a small child was sent to bring her Bible. All gathered around her as she opened it and pausing she began to read, tentatively at first and then more confidently.

As Hembadoon escorted me back up the path when I was leaving, I asked her how much schooling she had had. "Oh I never went to school as a child," she replied, "but some years ago I went to some adult literacy classes." Terna, one of her sons, not only affirmed this but added that those classes were before he had been born and today was his first time to see his mother read. What a gift those glasses were and how privileged I was to witness such shared joy and family pride.

In 2006, Sr. Mary Deighan celebrated 50 years as a member of Our Lady's Missionaries as well as 25 years as a missionary in Nigeria. During the year, Sr. Mary joined in celebration with family and friends in her home province of Prince Edward Island, and later at a joyous gathering of community, family and friends in Toronto, catered for by her family. On her return to Vandeikya, Nigeria, she was honoured by friends and members of the Primary Health Care team with whom she works. The gala was complete with Tiv dancers, African music and plenty of food. Sr. Mary is deeply grateful for the love, support and prayers of so many.

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