Our mission in Parana was special in that it was shared with our Irish Dominican brothers, and so there was a happy coincidence in that fr. Martin Hunter was present on 14^thOctober with us and the people of the parish. Once again they could see us together preaching the Word. Martin prepared and coordinated a lectio divina based on the sending out of the s seventy two disciples, held in groups in the parish hall.  The hall was graced with bunting made with the Irish and Argentine colours, and a huge banner that said: 50 years of preaching the liberating Word of God.

The event had been prepared over the past six months, with increasing enthusiasm and sharing of memories at each of the meetings. The parish priest Fr Sergio gave his full support and made us feel welcome. Ramon Solari took on the role of coordinator and played a huge part with his wife Graciela in getting the invitations out and distributing tasks.  He assured me that while he was reluctant at first, the experience had been a joyful one for him.

Many leaders from Caitriona’s family catechetics groups turned up and the short video, prepared by Annie Nassivera’s son Jesus, showed some of their work. At the end of the Eucharistic celebration Noemi read out the letter that Caitriona sent, which was greeted with loud applause.  Sister Eileen Airey who served there with Martina Hayden also sent a greeting. Both Eileen and Caitriona had visited Parana during the past year.

The atmosphere of joy at meeting again was palpable.  Many showed their appreciation in the details of preparing beautiful decorations for the tables and surrounding walls, and of course the volunteers doing the barbecue were a vital part of the day.  We were presented with a lovely album of photos that neighbours had brought to be copied.

Indeed the sowing was widespread during the period of twenty years that our Sisters lived in the parish of San Agustin with its surrounding barrios some of the poorest in Parana.  All were remembered lovingly.  And we recognized that the people had helped us to grow in faith in a mutual evangelization.

L to R. Ramon Solari  Sr. Joan Ignacio Loly su madre and Sr. Veronica