1/1 One of the south s oldest residents has celebrated her 106th birthday at a Hampshire care home. When Mabel Looker was born in 1915, the First World War was less than a year old, most British homes were still lit by gas and cinema was a new craze. Mabel, who lives at the Belmore Lodge care home in Lymington, has no idea why she has managed to live to such a great age. “I would love to know the answer myself, she said. Mabel’s big day included a Covid-safe visit from her daughter, Janet Morley. Staff serenaded her with a rendition of Happy Birthday as well as serving bubbly and homemade marzipan cake - her favourite.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a remarkable person and we can learn a great deal from her. It is no wonder that she has been the subject for so many artists, iconographers and writers down the ages, such as Raphael and the Gospel writers. When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she was to give birth, it began something that would change the world. It all began due to Mary’s obedience to the will of God. ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary, ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ (Luke 1 verse 38) Mary shows us how to relate to God. If our important relationships are healthy we are able to think beyond our own need and concerns and look to others.