We may have had to wait for 250 years, but the festivities of September 1, 2002, were well worth the efforts expended by the organizers.

As early as 10 a.m. there was magic in the air at the Opti-Centre in Dorion, Quebec, as the hall was being organized and decorated. The enthusiasm and good humour of the generous volunteers who lent a hand was palpable. Even the weather cooperated. Can it be that Mother Nature is also a Besner?

People started assembling as early as 1 p.m. in front of Saint Michel Church in Vaudreuil. Shortly before 2 p.m., when the memorial mass was scheduled to start, Mrs. Monique Pilon, a parish volunteer, conducted a guided tour of this marvellous church that has now become a historical monument.

Let's start with the mass. I am not the most religious member of the family but I was really impressed. I've rarely experienced such varied emotions and although they are very difficult to put into words, I will try.

The mass was celebrated by three priests who are members of our extended family: Gaston Besner, of the Valleyfield diocese, a "Potaboire" of the eighth generation, son of Patrice Besner and Laurette Pilon; Yves Masse, from the Institut séculier Voluntas Dei working in hospital pastoral care in Hull, of the eighth generation of Paulais Besners, son of Auxibéa Bisnaire and Rosario Masse, native of Cochrane, Ontario; and last but certainly not least, Hector, who needs no introduction. Members of the family joined them as facilitators, servers and readers.

What can I say of the attendees who were almost exclusively BESNERS? Even though we were very numerous, there was a feeling of intimacy in the air. Many, like myself. must have felt very proud to realize that we are all members of the same family and the mere fact that we were so many gathered in the church served to reinforce this feeling.

I had never heard of the Messe québécoise by Pierrick Houdy. It was beautifully executed by the Choeur du Suroît.

The entire audience was moved by the singing and the music, and everyone clapped hands to the rhythm of our Quebec folklore. Our cousin Hector gave the sermon and surpassed himself with his humour and his knowledge of our history; he is so very proud of his origins, as we all are.

During the offertory, other members of the family went forward with offerings : Bernard Besner, with a photo album of various previous activities of the Association; Jacques Besner and his wife Céline Fortin, with the chalice and ciborium; Jean Besner, with a family tree from Reverend Dugas; Pierrette Besner, with the logo of the Association painted on wood; René Besner, with wine and water, Roger Besner, with a magnificent bouquet of flowers; Joseph Bisnaire, with the Besner directory on CD Rom; Corinne Bisnaire, with a complete set of our quarterly newsletter Le Prêt-à-boire; and finally, Ronald Besner, with bread. Léo Besner and his wife Gabrielle, of Saint-Clet, served the mass, Marie-Thérèse Besner and Lucie Besner did the readings and Julienne Besner did the dedication of prayers. The greeters were Claudette and Gisèle Besner as well as Diane Grandmaison, wife of Alain, and Denis, Germain and Yvon, all Besners were responsible for the collection. Louise Besner and Maurice Besner offered communion. All of this was masterly coordinated by Alain Besner.

Sincere thanks yous and kudos to all those cousins who willingly accepted to participate in this solemn and joyful occasion.

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