Despedida for Sister Bridie Lough in Ica, Peru

Columban Sister Bridie Lough says farewell to her beloved people of Ica, Peruperu_fl_md_wht

Account of the Despedida for Bridie
– by Sister Brigid Sullivan

On Sunday, May 1, Sister Bridie Lough said goodbye to Ica and to the “pueblo” of San Martín.

As we said goodbye to her after 19 years work in Parish Ministry, we felt sadness on the one hand at parting with Bridie but we also felt very proud of what she had achieved. She had over her years here won the people’s confidence and helped them in their journey of faith, awakening in them a great desire to build up the Christian Community.

The despedida Mass was celebrated by our Bishop, Mons Hector Vera Colona, assisted by the parish priest of the parish, Fr. Marco Antonio Martinez, and Fr. Victor Atuncar.

After the Mass we all gathered for some refreshments. There were many words of thanks, interspersed with song and dance, each group putting forward of their best.

In our Columban community we miss her but we are grateful for the life we shared together and we wish her many blessings as she returns to Ireland and continues her missionary journey there.

Bridie enjoyed every moment of the celebrations, well aware of the hours of preparation and practice that had gone into each presentation. It was surely a gesture that exemplified the esteem in which Bridie was held.

Mons. Hector thanked Bridie very sincerely and expressed his appreciation all she had done for the Church in San Martin

Mons. Hector thanked Bridie very sincerely and expressed his appreciation all she had done for the Church in San Martin

An expression of the people's gratitude to Bridie for her love and dedication

An expression of the people’s gratitude to Bridie for her love and dedication

Bridie expresses her gratitude to the people during a Thanksgiving Mass in the Parish of San Martin

Bridie expresses her gratitude to the people during a Thanksgiving Mass in the Parish of San Martin

Intercessory Prayers are offered for Bridie and all of the "pueblo" de San Martin

Intercessory Prayers are offered for Bridie and all of the “pueblo” de San Martin

The Party begins with a spirited dance in honour of Bridie from Edith, one of the San Martin Parish catechists!

The Party begins with a spirited dance in honour of Bridie from Edith, one of the San Martin Parish catechists!

Bridie joined by two young Peruvian dancers

Bridie joined by two young Peruvian dancers

Bridie with the youth!

Bridie with the youth!

The Parish Mission Team surround their long-time friend, Hermana Bridie

The Parish Mission Team surround their long-time friend, Hermana Bridie

Bridie with the Sisters and friends from 'el pueblo" San Martin de Porres

Bridie with the Sisters and friends from ‘el pueblo” San Martin de Porres

The colourfully clad Peruvian Dance group pose with Bridie for a souvenir photo

The colourfully clad Peruvian Dance group pose with Bridie for a souvenir photo

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