The Senior Stretch Ministry of Church of the Incarnation, Mantua, celebrated a milestone birthday for one of their own earlier this month, as Luz Betancourt turned 100.
Betancourt, a native of Puerto Rico who has spent the last 60-plus years in the United States, blew out candles and made a wish during the ministry’s Chair Stretch Day on Dec. 4. She was joined by her daughter, Bruny Roldan; her senior community, and Father Stephen Bertonazzi, the parish’s parochial vicar. Her actual centenary was three days later, Dec. 7.
Also on hand to sing “Happy Birthday” were representatives of VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services the Diocese of Camden, which includes in its various initiatives the encouragement of and guidance to parishes in providing for the medical, spiritual, and social needs of seniors in South Jersey.
A participant in the Incarnation ministry for the past 2 1/2 years, what keeps Betancourt coming every week, besides the need to stay active, she says, is the communication with others. “I like to talk to them, help them. I’ve always been friendly.”
As well, reflecting on her 100 years, she remains thankful that “God has been so good to me. Every day, I thank Him for giving me strength.”
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