Mac Olsen
Express Staff
The Paroisse Notre-Dame de Lourdes in Girouxville was the scene of a special service during the afternoon of November 18.
Hundreds of people attended the church’s 90th anniversary celebration, with Mgsr. Charles Lavoie, Deacon Reg Bouchard and Father Christian Ogbanna leading the spiritual event. It was held in both French and English.
Two families, the Sylvains and the Blanchettes, made the offering of food, symbolic of giving thanks to God for a bountiful harvest. The spiritual leaders also held communion with guests. Later, Bobby Brochu and Jessie Sylvain read several verses of scripture.
Msgr. Charles Lavoie appreciated the invitation to attend.
“I feel privileged to be asked to be here,” he says, noting the historical context of the church’s presence in the community.
“It’s quite special. The pioneers found it was very important to have the church. They didn’t have much, but they gave their all to ensure that there was a church here.”
At the end of the service, everyone moved to the basement for other activities. Downstairs, the activities for children included a bean bag toss, a fishing pond, bowling and a duck pond.
Others engaged in a games of bingo and there were silent and live auctions, as well a draw for door drizes. Proceeds from the event will be used to rebuild the steps in front of the church.
The dinner consisted of a steak and chicken, potatoes and salad, as well as cake for dessert.
Dozens of people volunteered to prepare and serve the dinner. Karen Benoit, the chairperson of the organizing committee, was pleased with the turnout for the celebration.
“It’s a great turnout, with very overwhelming support from the community and parish,” says Benoit.
“We had a great committee to organize it.”
