25th Anniversary |
Following was reported in "The Catholic News" on our anniversary celebration: Living Water Community
celebrates 25 years STREAMS OF GRACE by a Community
Member
Many weeks of planning and hard work
came to a climax on Sunday, November 26, as the Living Water Community gathered to
celebrate their 25th anniversary. Venue was the Centre of Excellence in Macoya transformed
into a beautiful sanctuary. The theme, "Glory be to the Father, and to Son
and to the Holy Spirit", on a banner depicting Rublev's icon of the Blessed
Trinity, came to life in the praises of the many covenanted members. It was truly a day to
remember, celebrate and give thanks. The Community has grown from humble beginnings. In
1975, God called Rhonda Maingot and Rose Jackman, and like Mary, their "yes"
allowed God to do a mighty work in their lives. Now in this Jubilee Year 2000, the
Community is a river bringing life to many who are hungry and thirsty. In the words of Fr. Stephen Harney, the feature speaker
for the day, " Living Water Community is not a story to be told, nor an event to be
described, but an experience to be lived, a paradigm of Church in the modern world, a love
song sung in the midst of tears." The day began with the recitation of the Rosary,
followed by prayers, songs of praise and worship and a time of healing and reconciliation.
Through the ministry of Rose Jackman and Fr. Jason Gordon, participants came to recognize
the times when they were not instruments of love and their human frailty prevented His
grace from shining through; they asked for mercy, healing and forgiveness. Next came a time of "Listening to the Word"
when the leaders of the community gave testimony to the fact that they have always been
led by the prophetic word. The name of the Community, the decision to begin each new
ministry, all were inspired by God and confirmed in Scripture. Fr Harney is a Rosminian missionary from Ireland who
has been working in Venezuela since the early 1970s. He is the founder and present leader
of the Fuente Real Community and does retreat work throughout the world. He has
shared the journey of the community over the past 25 years, is a friend and a constant
source of inspiration. In his feature address, Fr. Stephen recalled the
precious moment 2000 years ago when Mary said "yes", and because of this the
whole world commemorates and celebrates the Great Jubilee, 2000 years of Christ's coming
into the world. "It's a time of joy, of peace, a when hearts are set free, a time to
heal the wounds of division, a time of grace and hope, of sharing the gifts we have; a
time to build a world that is one to give thanks to the Father, Son and Spirit." Fr. Stephen recalled the miracle of God's grace over
the past twenty- five years. He pointed out that once Jesus is accepted as King, lives are
transformed - the dead become alive, the poor rich, the hard-hearted tender hearted and
the greedy generous. "Jesus the King in me", he said, "is Victory,
overcomes fears with love, sin with mercy, slavery and addiction with freedom". After lunch, the community welcomed family members and
the many friends and benefactors. At 2 p.m. the gathering was treated to a 30-minute video
presentation on the history of the community, produced by Trinity Communications Network,
one of the ministries of the community. The approximately 800 persons were silent, as they
looked and listened in awe and amazement. Some were even seen shedding a few tears. The highpoint of the day was the celebration of Holy
Mass at 3 p.m. Main celebrant was Fr. Michael de Verteuil, rector of the Regional
Seminary, and a priest of the Community. Concelebrating were two brother priests of the
Community, Frs. Jason Gordon and Christopher Lumsden and several priests working in the
Archdiocese. In his homily, Fr. Stephen again exhorted the
congregation to respond by saying, "Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the
Holy Spirit", raising his hand in the direction of the icon of the Blessed Trinity
which was the backdrop for the altar. After Holy Communion, 22 couples from the Covenant
Community consecrated their marriages to the Lord. They promised "to offer their
lives as living sacrifices" so that they might be like "olive branches" of
peace to their families. To seal this commitment, they placed a specially designed pin on
each other. Of course, no Living Water function can be complete
without their delicious food. As guests and family members mingled over light refreshment
and socializing, the community members were hard at work preparing dinner. The meal was
tasty and well presented, and the atmosphere was made more festive by live parang and
steel band music. Afterwards Rhonda thanked the friends and benefactors
of Living Water Community and presented them with a special package to commemorate their
faithfulness and generosity over the years. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy
Spirit, whose power working in His people can do more than they can ask or imagine. |
