More than 150 people, some of them foreigners, turned out last Wednesday at Jacob’s Ladder in Moneague, St Ann — one of 15 homes run by Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) — to celebrate the 70th birthday of the international non-profit’s founder Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon.

The event was actually a surprise for Ramkissoon, executive director of Mustard Seed Communities, Father Garvin Augustine shared, adding that the pleasant priest, who is known for his great sense of humour, received it well.

“He was excited and more so surprised and grateful about how many persons came to the event and just the outpouring of love he received. He was also very emotional because some of the video tributes were touching. There were a lot of messages from all over the world which spoke to the great impact which he has had in his ministry, spreading care for people all over the world,” Augustine told the Jamaica Observer.

“Several of his family members came in and surprised him, and also people from Ireland, United States, and all over, just for the birthday celebration,” added Father Augustine.

Ramkissoon, a Trinidadian, started Mustard Seed Communities in 1978 with the aim of removing abandoned children with disabilities from the streets of Jamaica. The organisation has since extended its reach beyond Jamaica and the Caribbean to care for people with disabilities, especially children, in Malawi and Zimbabwe in Africa, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.

Last Wednesday’s celebration saw some of the children cared for by Mustard Seed across the world expressing their appreciation for Ramkissoon’s positive impact on their lives.

“One child composed a poem for him and another spoke on behalf of all the children around the world about his inspiration and him establishing the community so they can be provided with love which is benefiting hundreds around the world,” Father Augustine told the Observer.

The Catholic priest added that it was also an honour for him and other members of the community to have executed the event for such a stalwart.

“A lot of the work to organise the event was done by the staff members and they were excited to be involved. Very often we celebrate people after they die, but to celebrate someone who is alive and well was a privilege. So rewarding to be able to be a part of the celebration for the founding father of an organisation which has changed so many lives,” Father Augustine said.

Manager of Missions Programme at MSC Jamaica for 19 years, Tamara Tucker-Burns, added that she was elated to be a part of another milestone for MSC.

“I’m happy to be a part of this community and what it represents and we, as staff members, and his children felt the need to celebrate this incredible man who has been giving hope and love, not just to our residents with disabilities but staff members and friends,” she said.

“It was heart-warming to see the vast support and love he received. He brought people from all walks of life together and all of us with just a common purpose to serve the most vulnerable,” added Tucker-Burns.