By Mary Fogelson
In March, the Seton Society celebrated a very exceptional woman of faith, Elsie Van Bruaene. Elsie, a long time Seton Society member and parishioner is celebrating 100 years of life. And to honor her, with the help of the parish staff who applied to the Vatican, we received and presented an incredibly surprised Elsie with an Apostolic Blessing from the Holy Father Pope Francis on the occasion of her 100th Birthday at the Seton Society March birthday celebration.
Elsie is an inspiration. If you have ever purchased and tasted the homemade pasta she brings yearly to Seton Bazaar or picked up one of the aprons or adult bibs she sews and donates to the bazaar, you have been gifted by several of Elsie’s many talents. You also may have encountered Elsie at Mass or at parish events over the years and have been the recipient of her exuberant joy and zest for life. Or maybe been touched by her gentle love and kindness. Then you know, like the Seton sisters have witnessed over the years that Elsie is a person who lives life to its fullness celebrating the gift of life daily, sharing her generosity of Spirit. She truly embodies what it means to live your faith.
Over her 100 years, Elsie has been blessed with a loving family and great friends. She relishes her Italian heritage, loves music and especially dancing. Maybe it’s all the dancing that is one of the secrets keeping her 100 years young. Who else would get everyone up dancing and leading the Conga line at her 100th birthday party. What a lady!
As One Family in Christ at St. Elizabeth Seton let us each offer a prayer in wishing Elsie a blessed 100th year of life.
