Love thy neighbour, love God: centenarian

NETWORK
Posted on 2008-12-09
MAPUSA - Entering the 100th year of one life is no simple achievement, especially in today’s world, when there is so much pollution around and new diseases that seem to be constantly erupting to threaten the longevity of man’s life. However inspite of all this Ms Lourdes Conceicao Lobo from Bamonvaddo, Camurlim, has today entered her 100th year of her life on this planet.Born on the feast day of Immaculate Conception, in the year 1908 in a family at Salvador do Mundo, Lourdes is the eldest of nine children; some of her siblings are also alive. She married Jose Maria Lobo in Camurlim at the age of 36. The family was blessed with one son and three daughters. Today Lourdes is the grandmother of six grandchildren. Lourdes may be a centenarian but when one has a look at her and talks with her one finds her voice still young and strong. Surely looking younger than her age even today, ‘Mai’ as she is lovingly known has always been known to be gentle, kind and a good-hearted lady. This was witnessed from the large number of friends and well wishers that had gathered at her residence on Tuesday to wish her on entering her 100th year of life.
Still having a strong memory Mai fondly recollects various events in her life and how she handled these events with ease and with trust in the lord “We must remember always that we have a Creator and therefore we must bear in mind to love this Creator. We must also love our neighbours. These two things are the only things that count in life. Love thy neighbour and Love thy God.” Though Mai is 100 years old, it is remarkable that she is still active and is not a burden to her family members. She has good vision and takes care of her personal needs herself, besides watching TV and stitching.