By Chantalé Fletcher
SISTER Marie Thérèse Rétout turned 100 years old on Saturday.
“I did not want to come to Trinidad but they say God is a Trini and that must be true. I saw the beautiful soul of the people. I love Trinidad. I love Tobago,” she said.
The French native arrived in Trinidad from Paris on February 9, 1952, at the age of 30.
Sister Marie Thérèse said life was not easy but it has been one of sacrificial love.
Throughout the years, her portfolio grew after being in Trinidad and Tobago for 70 years, with 20 years in the area of education at the St Dominic’s Children’s Home in Belmont and 17 years of caring for the poor in Barataria and environs.
Sister Marie Thérèse was also a journalist with the Catholic News for about 19 years and a published author.
In addition, she has been awarded many accolades throughout including the Public Service Medal of Merit Gold for the year 2020, and the highest national distinction in France – the Medal ‘Chevalier in the Order of the Legion d’Honneur’ in 2007.
On Friday, Minister of Social Development and Family Services Donna Cox honoured Sister Marie Thérèse at the Holy Name Convent and sang along in the birthday celebrations.
Cox then thanked her for the outstanding work towards the poor and vulnerable and presented her with a Certificate of Honour and Achievement, a food hamper and a personalised birthday cake from the Kiss Baking Company.
Sister Marie Thérèse expressed honour to attain the milestone.
She said, “I thank God for creating me and for helping me to live according to His will. I am full of gratitude and loving care. I feel happy and honoured to live to make it to one hundred years.”
