Parishioner celebrates 110th birthday at Brooklyn church: ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation’
Loved ones came together to celebrate with Judith Mends, whose life has been marked by unwavering faith and charity toward others.
Judith Mends, the oldest parishioner at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Brooklyn, New York, recently celebrated her 110th birthday, an occasion for cake, fellowship, and grace.
According to a July 24 report from NetNY, three local priests gave her a special blessing during the celebration at the church, which was attended by friends, family members, and parishioners.
Mends’ nephew Joseph Radix told the outlet that his aunt’s witness of generosity and devotion to the church has long stood out to him. Mends used to collect books for students and provide food for those in need, the outlet reported.
“These are the things that really stand out to me,” he said. “It’s always been about her with the church and, you know, the charity that she has done for other people.”
Born in Grenada, Mends spent many years going between the Caribbean and visiting family in New York, where she now resides. According to the outlet, though church involvement has long been a focus for Mends, she now doesn’t leave her home in the Flatlands too often, and she wishes she could go to church more regularly.
The outlet also asked her how it feels to be 110.
“Well, if I was able to move around a little bit more, I think I’d be more active,” Mends said.
Radix told the outlet that the milestone was something he hadn’t thought he would get to witness.
“When she got to 100, we thought that was amazing,” he said. “But 110, we never thought that was possible.”
Speaking to the outlet, Mends expressed gratitude for every blessing she’s received throughout life and indicated that her faith continues to be strong.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation,” she said.
>> ‘Never too late’: 98-year-old WWII veteran enters Catholic Church <<
