By THÉRÈSE MARGOLIS

The American Benevolent Society (ABS) of Mexico hosted a belated Mother’s Day luncheon Wednesday, May 18, at Christ Church Anglican Parish.

Nearly 50 ABS members and their families showed up for the lavish event, which included a succulent meal of garden salad, homemade meatloaf with green beans and mashed potatoes, and a choice of fruit-layered sponge cake or blackberry cheesecake, as well as fresh hibiscus water and both red and white wines.

There was also a raffle and a presentation of flowers to the Christ Church staff that prepared the meal.

“This is the first time we have been able to all get together after nearly two years,” said ABS vice president Frances Huttanus, referring to the covid-19 lockdowns. “Finally, we are back to where we were before the pandemic.”

Huttanus also said that the ABS will soon begin organizing other in-person events, including tai chi classes.

And while the lunch came an entire week after Mexico’s traditional May 10 holiday, ABS director Aliki Elias pointed out that every day should be Mother’s Day.

“We are all so happy to be away from zoom meetings,” Elias said, adding that it was great that the luncheon could be held at Christ Church, which is the new venue of the ABS offices.