The 10th annual HVM Gala at Sacred Heart Major Seminary on October 25, 2014, was a great success!   More than 150 guests shared in a spirit of celebration and joyful generosity to join with the HVM Sisters and their missions.  Funds raised through ticket sales and silent auction of donated items help support the HVM ministries in Nigeria.

    “Dear Brothers and Sisters,   As we gather to celebrate with the Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary and to support their continued efforts in the theological formation of their sisters in Nigeria, it is a wonderful time to remember the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us in the Archdiocese through these wonderful women who consecrated their lives to our Lord and to the service of the Church of Detroit.”  … Msgr. Timothy Hogan, Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life, Archdiocese of Detroit.   CLICK HERE to see the full welcoming letter of Msgr. Hogan.

CLICK HERE and HERE to see the names of our wonderful Sponsors and Patrons who provided such generous financial support.

Carolyn Clifford, news anchor at WXYZ Channel 7 in Detroit, graciously served as host of the 10th HVM Gala.

Carolyn Clifford-Goss and husband Mr. Gregory Goss.

Table of Peter Kreher and Hugh Buchanan, members of HVM Advisory Committee.

Left to right: Msgr. T.  Hogan, director of the Archdiocese of Detroit Office for Clergy and Consecrate Life.  Fr. Tim Birney, director of Archdiocese of Detroit Office of Vocations, honorary chairperson of the Gala.  Mr. Bishop Young, co-honorary chair of  this year’s Gala. Mr. Young leads the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Knights of Columbus conference and is a K of C delegate in Southeast Michigan.

Example of wonderful items for sale via silent auction. Mrs. Gail Bond has handled our auction tables for 10 years, always adding a touch of beauty to the items displayed!

Beatrice Cochran has served as the creative chairperson of the HVM fundraising committee for eleven years.

Lorielle Walker beautifully gathered the guests of the Gala through song. Lorielle  is a 12th grader who dreams of a career in the world of drama.  Lorielle is a granddaughter of Mrs. Beatrice Cochran.

Christ the King parish table.  Dr. Paul and Mrs. Dorothy Sullivan have supported the Nigerian mission in Abuja for over fifteen years.  Sr. Fiorentina, HVM, continues to serve as a volunteer at Christ the King parish, where she has ministered for over 30 years.

Mr. Samuel Onyene, a Knight of Columbus and member of HVM fundraising committee, and Sr. Chioma, HVM.  In recognition of his Nigerian heritage, Mr. Onyene has been a key leader in the commitment of the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Knights of Columbus to supporting the HVM Nigerian mission.

Mr. and Mrs. Beck, from Sacred Heart parish.

Sr. Mary Finn, HVM, standing right, shares with the St. Margaret Mary parish table.  Nigerian Sister Noel, center, was also part of the St. Margaret Mary parish table.

Horizon House, directed by Martha Lum, an HVM Associate and member of the fund raising committee, support the mission by their presence and volunteer services.

Deacon Rafael Jimenez (center) and his wife Margarita (violet sweater) gathered family together for an evening of sharing.

Left – Mrs. and Mr. Joseph Emeroun with son.   Joseph is the brother of our Sr. Clare, HVM, in Nigeria.   Center – Mr.  Samuel Onyene, HVM fundraising committee.  Right – Sr. Chioma, HVM,  Our Nigerian connection.

Gift Bags for $10.00 each sparked high level of guest interest!  Possible Christmas gifts?

Sr. Laura Marie, HVM, 3rd from left, and three smiling friends.

Thelma Wilson, left, sold the winning ticket to Marie Perez.

Sr. Rosemarie Abate at the head table.

Above and below:  Fundraising committee members and HVM sisters are recognized.   Committee members: Beatrice Cocheran, chairperson, Gail Bond, Akua Budu-Watkins, Jo Ann Cain, Esme Carson, Charlotte Davidson, Linda Franklin, Martha Lum, Jean Merrille, Samuel Onyene, Marsha Polus, Janet Sapanaro, Mary Sears, Denise Sears, Augusta Stephens, Barbara Walker, Thelma Wilson.  HVM sisters present:  Srs. Mary Jane, Mary Francis, Mary Finn, Fiorentina, Laura Marie, Chioma, Rosemarie.

Above: Happy dancers – both young and younger – enjoying the music by Ronnie Bonds, disc jockey.

James Taylor, senior at MSU, volunteered to grace the Gala with his piano music.   James is grandson of Mrs. Cochran.  He hopes to succeed in the world of music.