by Sr. Mary Augustine
“Blessed be God” was something that St. Jeanne Jugan always used to say, and we Little Sisters of the Poor cannot help but repeat it often ourselves these days. We are in such admiration of the goodness and thoughtfulness that we are experiencing. So many people of all age groups have shown their love and support in so many different ways: giving their time as volunteers to do whatever is needed, wherever they are needed throughout the Home; giving of their talent—decorating, singing, putting on plays and hosting parties…making the residents happy just by being around; and also by the many gifts they have brought to the elderly, making them feel young at heart at Christmas time.
We were amazed at the response we received to our “Wish List” (which was publicized in our recent newsletter), and we’ll be using these items for many months to come, thanks to the generosity and self-giving of so many groups and individuals. Every year we see this manifestation of caring, but I think more so this year. Everyone seems to be trying to get back to the “old-fashioned Christmas”, where what mattered most was the love that went into everything. After all, that is why Jesus came—to show us, in the flesh, the love of God. By their actions, all of these wonderful people seem to be saying “Yes, we know…Jesus is the reason for the season.”
May His peace and joy be with you all now and in the coming New Year!
photo: Little Sisters Christine Marie, Dara Catherine, Mary Veronica, Mother Mary Thomas, Mary Eileen and Mary Augustine.
Gratitude for the generosity of our friends and benefactors