On April 7 we had the joy of welcoming Sister Lucia from the Novitiate in Tacna, Peru. Sr. Lucia is a novice and hopes to make her first profession next year. Our Sisters in formation prepare to take vows after a of 2 ½ year of training and are ready to serve the elderly wherever God sends them. Sr. Lucia is proficient in English, Italian and of course her native language Spanish. She brought with her the joy of youth and love for her vocation which she easily transmitted to the elderly. She returned in May and took with her the many memories collected during the month of her stay in the Bronx along with the prayers of the Sisters and Residents.
Later In April the Residents were thrilled to be invited to see the musical performance of “Chicago” presented by Christ the King High School students. “The production featured iconic choreography, and jazz- age costumes. Directed and staged by the schools Musical Theatre Club, the production was a major focal point for the student body and school community.”
The Rock-a-thon held in April was especially creative this year. Our Residents won first prize last year and were determined to do the same this year. They were unbeatable! Three Residents were all decked out in wigs, seventies outfits and playing blown up guitars. They were a sight to behold!
In April we had an outstanding performance by the Suni Maritime’s gifted musician students.
They delighted the Residents with their music and we appreciated their willingness to share their talents with us!
We were privileged to welcome nine seminarians in April from all walks of life, just beginning their formation for the priesthood. The Residents loved getting to know them, listening to their experiences, what they did for a living and how they decided to enter the seminary. The reciprocal sharing created a lasting bond between seminarian and Resident. They promised to visit whenever their studies allow and the Residents promised to accompany them with their prayers.
A special Rosary procession was inaugurated to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. Beginning in the chapel the procession stopped at several statues of Our Lady in the home and outdoors reciting a decade of the Rosary. This beautiful tribute to Our Lady ended in the Hearth and snacks and drink afterwards gave the Residents a chance to talk of their experience.
On the first Sunday of May our Associates joined the new members and together they either renewed or made for the first time their promises as a member of the Association Jeanne Jugan.
This association is a lay group of men and women interested in not only volunteering but sharing more exclusively in the charism of St. Jeanne Jugan as an Associate. They commit themselves to following the Rules of the associates and participate in spiritual events specially for them throughout the year.
In May the Baltimore/Brooklyn province had the joy of welcoming Mother General Maria del Monte Auxiliadora. After spending over a month visiting the Homes in the Chicago province, she spent a week at our Novitiate in Queens before flying back to the Motherhouse in Brittany, France. We appreciated the opportunity to meet with her for several days.
One of our Residents, Peter, had spent most of his working career as a mailman. I’m sure he would say he must have walked hundreds of thousands of miles in his lifetime. No wonder at 97 he is still as spry as ever! His family threw a great 97th birthday party and invited the whole house! Everyone enjoyed being with Peter and his family to celebrate this milestone.
Our annual Mother’s Day Tea again brought together Residents families for a delightful gourmet Tea party. Dressed in pastel colors, the auditorium was very inviting as we welcomed the many daughters and family members for a joy filled entertaining afternoon celebrating “Mothers.”
A discernment weekend shared with our Queen of Peace home brought together a nice group of young women interested in learning more about Religious Life. A day of prayer and service gave them a glimpse into the mission and vocation of a Little Sister of the Poor.
On June 28 and 30 we were privileged to host and celebrate the feast of Mother Provincial Alice Marie. The feast brought together the entire province for a two day celebration of prayerful events and festivities. The culminating event took place at Monastery Sacred Heart Church in Yonkers a Roman Catholic Community founded in 1891 in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi by the Order of Friars Minor, Capuchin. We specifically chose this church so that everyone joining us would have the possibility of obtaining the indulgence attached to visiting a Franciscan Church in the 800th anniversary year of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi. We had the privilege of being blessed with a first class relic of St. Francis. Unknown to us and to our surprise we also had the chance to visit a small shrine set up within the church honoring Blessed Solanus Casey, an American Capuchin who spent the first 14 years of his priesthood at this parish.
On June 30 we had the joy of celebrating the 103rd birthday of Vincenza Zimmitti. Zena as she prefers to be called cared for her mother until God called her home at the age of 100! Zena enjoys life, can still maintain her own apartment with support systems designed to keep the Elderly independent and loves visitors. She takes daily walks to keep herself moving and manages to attend mass and religious services from time to time.
Thanks to volunteers like Tom we are able to provide comfort and convenience for our Residents which would otherwise be impossible. Tom a plumber by trade installed drinking fountains with water fillers which were donated by a generous benefactor. His expertise and willingness to donate his time was deeply appreciated.
