How do you celebrate 200 years of God's fidelity, of faith, of following the Gospel, of outreach to the poor, of seeking change through gentleness, of mission, and of devotion to discovering the mystery of the Incarnation?

You do it "in simplicity and joy."

The Sisters of St. Mary of Namur are celebrating the 200th anniversary of their founding with a special Pentecost event, a coming together of all the nations. This Pentecost event on June 9, will be a wonderful sharing of gifts. For 200 years, the sisters have witnessed God's creative gifts given, received and shared. And now they wish to join in offering them back to God in a colorful quilt of song, dance, story and music.

An international congregation, serving in nine countries on four continents, the Sisters of St. Mary have invited various musical, singing and dancing groups from Western New York to come to Mount St. Mary Academy's auditorium, 3756 Delaware Ave., Kenmore. This free event is being organized to highlight humankind's connectedness. Whether it be through joyous songs, hymns or dances, with men and women's choruses, gesture groups, high school and elementary school choirs, poetry and story all express the diversity, the unity and the humanity that the sisters have experienced.

There will be a narrative surrounding the performances. Refreshments will be served in the cafeteria following the entertainment.

The following groups have graciously accepted to share their gifts:

Mount St. Mary Academy, St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, St. Andrew's Country Day School, Kenmore's St. John the Baptist School, DeSales Catholic School, The Buffalo Chorale Arts Society, St. Martin de Porres Choir, The African-American Cultural Center, Clann Na Cara Irish Dancers, St. Martin de Porres Parish Choir, Holy Cross Gesture Group, SGTV Edelweiss and Our Lady of Hope Parish Music Ministry.