We were truly blessed to welcome Mother General María del Monte Auxiliadora and her Assistant, Mother Joseph Christine, to our Home for a visit that brought great joy to our Residents, Sisters, and staff. From the moment they arrived from France, there was a sense of joy and excitement all throughout the Home. It was a moment of grace that touched every corner of our Home.
Their arrival was met with great anticipation and excitement. Residents and Little Sisters gathered in the lobby, waiting to welcome them. As Mother María and Mother Joseph Christine entered, the room was filled with smiles, warmth, and heartfelt joy. It was a beautiful moment of unity, as our Home came together to greet them with love.
During their visit, Mother María met with our Association Jeanne Jugan members, thanking them for their faithful service. It was a meaningful moment of gratitude and encouragement, affirming the important role they play in living the spirit of St. Jeanne Jugan and continuing her mission.
We were also honored to welcome Bishop O’Malley, who celebrated Mass for our community. He shared a prayerful and moving homily about our mission and the continuation of the work Saint Jeanne Jugan started. This moment reflected the foundation that sustains our Home and our mission.
One of the most touching parts of the visit was when Mother General María and Mother Joseph Christine took the time to meet with each and every Resident. They greeted each one, offering kind words and presenting them with a gift. These personal encounters reminded each Resident of the love that surrounds them.
Mother María and Mother Joseph Christine also met with our staff, taking time to greet each employee and presented each one with a gift. These moments of connection meant so much, recognizing the daily dedication and compassion that our staff bring to the Home.
Representing one country at a time, Residents and staff entered the stage, wearing traditional dress and proudly carrying their country’s flag. Some even showcased dances that reflected the beauty of their culture. Each group was celebrated with warm applause as the room filled with color, joy, and a sense of pride.
Following the individual presentations, all participants processed together around the auditorium in a “Parade of Nations,” holding their flags high. As they made their way through the room, our Resident choir, led by Brother Tom, sang It’s a Small World.
Toward the end of their visit, Mother General María and Mother Joseph Christine also spent time with our volunteers, donors, and the families of our Little Sisters and Residents.
We are deeply grateful for this moment that will remain in our hearts for years to come. Mother General María continues her journey, visiting Homes throughout our Province, meeting Sisters, Residents, and staff along the way before returning to France to continue guiding this mission that Saint Jeanne Jugan began over 185 years ago.
Her visit was a true blessing for our Home. It reminded us that hope is found in the simple moments we share, in kindness, in compassion, and in the love that fills our daily lives as we offer the neediest elderly of every race and religion a home where they will be welcomed as Christ, cared for as family, and accompanied with dignity until God calls them to himself.
