CARIBOU, Maine — As Caribou experienced its first taste of snow for the year, the Daughters of Isabella, a ladies auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, celebrated their 75th anniversary at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Sunday.
“As I read through our past history,” said Regent Mary Ellen Field, “it was a little overwhelming. We accomplish, as Christian women, so many things for our local community and church. We come together with a special goal and focus. We learn together as sisters. We accomplish so much throughout the course of one year, let alone 75. It was a huge undertaking to look back and review everything we have done over the course of all those years.”
The Regent described the Daughters of Isabella and its members as being “like water.”
“We’re forming a river,” said Field. “Each droplet: an individual. Whether it comes from rain, snow, or glaciers melting, it comes together. It starts forming little streams.
“We’re seeking one thing out. We’re seeking that river, and through the course of that path, we take the path of least resistance. Along the way, we’re making erosion. We’re going to that river.
“In that process, our service projects have changed. Granted, some of them today have been in place for a number of years, but there are others that are brand new. We change our projects and services based upon the needs of our church and community. I don’t know if you know it or not, but that is a very difficult task. It’s not easy to change what you do to meet the needs of others,” Field added.
Honored guests included District Deputy Grand Knight Robert Foley and his wife, First Auditor Priscilla Foley. Parish of the Precious Blood Reverend Jean-Paul Labrie, Vice Regent Elaine Haines, State Regent Martha Dufour, and former Regent Gail Hjort.
“The work you are doing is apostolic,” said Reverend Labrie, who then described the beginning of chapter eight in the gospel of Luke. “Jesus journeyed from one town or village to another, preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the 12 apostles and some women who were cured of evil spirits. Mary Magdelene, Joanna, the wife of Chuza, and many others who helped support them, and this is the key passage, out of their resources. This group of women worked with Jesus along with the 12 apostles. So what you’re doing here is as apostolic as the missionaries.”
Haines acted as master of ceremonies, introducing numerous guests to the podium. Among these guests was Janice Santos, who played and sang three religious songs for the group.
A meal of chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad, cake, and pie, was prepared by head chef Gil Masse.
“Seventy-five years ago, a group of ladies in Caribou decided to make an effort to come together and meet the needs of the people in the community,” said State Regent Martha Dufour, “so they signed a charter and became Holy Rosary Circle #638. From there, they have never stopped. Every dish and meal they prepared was out of motherly love. Nourishing people physically and spiritually. A lot of comfort can be derived from food, especially when you are suffering from hard times. Most importantly, they have remained true to the teachings of the Catholic church.”
