Dear Mrs Klimas,
Sometime last year when I visited you, we had a chat around your age, and you said you were 99, and that next year (which is this year 2023), you will turn 100. You smiled and laughed in a seeming unbelief, but a laugh that is so full of excitement. I did say we shall be gathered to celebrate you at 100… and you said: “that is if I am still here.” Well, the day is here, and here we are, gathered in our beautiful St Mary’s Cathedral—the same Cathedral where you would come regularly to celebrate your faith within the context of the Eucharist—to give thanks and praise to God for your centennial birthday celebration. On behalf of Bishop Greg, the Cathedral Pastoral Council, and the entire worshipping community, I say congratulations. Let me use this forum to welcome your family and friends who are here with us, and also those participating online.
This weekend is marked by multiple celebrations, Mrs Klimas, and I’m sure you will be excited with the community that as we mark your 100th birthday anniversary, we are equally welcoming some families who are going to baptise their children. We also have a simple rite of commitment for some of our children who are preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Isn’t that beautiful, Mrs Klimas, that the same faith which you have lived so very well for the last 100 years is still being celebrated. Please join us in praying for the families that are baptising their kids and for the children preparing for Reconciliation. What a gracious weekend?
Mrs Klimas, you know that you are well known to a lot of parishioners here in the Cathedral. Perhaps not so much to the younger and newer parishioners, but surely to most of the long-time parishioners. Today, we rejoice with you and your family. Today, the entire community celebrate you. Those who already know you are saying, “good on you, you have done very well.” Those who have not known you will be “giraffing” and “ostriching” to catch a glimpse of you, the centennial lady. Today is indeed a “wow” day… 100 years of life!
I want you to know, Mrs Klimas, how richly blessed I am each time I visited you; and not just me but also others who have visited to bring you Communion. Your dedication and commitment to faith—your devotion to the Eucharist and to prayers, is inspiring. Your gentle smiles, spirit of gratitude, and gracious hospitality are always admirable. Above all, your acknowledgment of God’s blessings, manifest in the “care from my family” (as you always say), is praiseworthy. Your response to “how are you” is always straightforward: I am well. I have a lovely family who take care of me. I cannot complain. I have everything, and I take it one day at a time.
Mrs Klimas, thank you very much for your exemplary nature. Thank you for being who you are. As I said to you last Sunday, we have a lot to learn from you. May the good Lord bless and keep you, may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, and give you peace.
At this point, I want to thank your family for sparing this day for us all to celebrate you. I want to thank the parish community for helping with the centennial celebration of your life. I want to thank your family and parishioners once again, especially the family group members, for providing the morning tea this day. I am sure you would not want anyone to leave without having a bite. This is community spirit. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep (Rom 12:15). Today, we rejoice because we are marking 100 years of life.
Friends, may we continue to celebrate one another while we are still alive. What a great day today.
Very Reverend Francis Otobo
Dean of the Cathedral
