US SMIC SMIC celebrate St. Dulce in the USA

On December 7th the celebration of St. Dulce by the various Units of the congregation was rounded out with the US celebration held at St. Bonaventure Parish in Paterson, New Jersey. We were honored to have several hundred friends join us in this unforgettable moment of our history.

The Liturgy began with a procession of the banner of St. Dulce of the Poor followed by the reliquary holding her relic The officiating celebrant of the Liturgy was Fr. Dan Grigassy , OFM joined with other friars and local priests. In her homily, Sister Livramento Oliveira, Minister General focused on the life of St. Dulce related to her gospel living of Matthew 25:34-36. Members of the Brazilian choir from St. James Parish in Newark assisted the participants in the Portuguese lyrics of the processional song dedicated to Sr. Dulce. The parish choir led us in the English singing that took place during the Mass. After Communion, we sang the Congregational hymn of the Tota Pulchra to honor Mary our patroness.

Animated with this wonderful celebration, the guests walked over to the Hall where the festivities continued with a catered meal. Sr. Kate, US Unit coordinator, introduced our student Sisters and members of the Generalate Community. A prayer was invoked in the various languages of the Congregation to bless the meal. With the noisy conversation and picture taking, it was evident that all had a memorable time.