Pere Kesner received word that our lay leader, Wilcaire and his wife were in a motorcycle accident while travelling home after choir practice. Nine people from the parish including Kesner and me filled the car and were then on our way to see our injured friends. The night was dark. Bright stars lit the black velvet sky...Nature's gift to the poorest of the poor, I thought. We who live in illuminated cities never experience the celestial lights. Although the lights of Ste. Marie Madeleine are the only lights in the village, and can be seen shining through the dark night from far away, they are not strong enough to interfere with viewing the sky.
We arrive at Wilcaire's house and are greeted by two elderly ladies who lead us to where Wilcaire and his wife are resting, their little boy beside them. The house of two small rooms is dark. The only light is provided by a kerosene lamp on the dresser. Our group directed the light from their cell phones and saw that injuries were minor, only surface scrapes and sore muscles. Pere Kesner went back to the parish clinic, returning with first aid supplies and nurse Natacha. While he was gone, the group burst into song and prayers, thanking God that our friends were not seriously injured.
Riding home, I reflect on the love of community, how community here comes together when one is in need. I reflect on the gifts of God to the community, gifts of Hope for the future, especially the next generation; Love for God and for one another, and Faith that God will fill all their needs.
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