You could feel the happiness of our Residents, Employees, Volunteers, Association Jeanne Jugan and of course the Little Sisters, as you made your way through the halls of our Home during the Christmas season. On every floor and at every turn, you were greeted by beautifully decorated trees, one which was complete with miniature carolers surrounding the tree – and with a little imagination and if you listen carefully you could hear them sing – little Santa Clauses, gift boxes, and tiny reindeer. Brightly colored Christmas bulbs hung from the ceiling and fluffy evergreen wreaths adorned the walls throughout. But most important were the Christmas cribs, each different but with the same story of love that the angel announced so long ago: “Behold, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the city of David a savior has been born for you, He is Christ the Lord.” Yes, the joy of Christmas shone throughout the home.
The player piano on the second floor of the Home rolled out Christmas songs; caroling and holiday entertainment were provided by the Girl Scouts, students from St. Cajetan’s, Good Shepherd, Our Lady of Lourdes, and One World Singers. Sandwiched among all these days of song, were parties for the employees, parties for the apartment Residents, a lively Christmas play and potluck dinner for the families of our Residents, and special gifts from the Knights of Columbus, parishes and even a Police Department as well as other generous souls helped us to make sure that each and every Resident had a Christmas gift to open.
Christmas Eve, the “Midnight” Mass was celebrated at 7:30pm so that as many residents as wanted to would be able to come. One resident, Barbara M. brought up the Baby Jesus who was laid in the Manger by our chaplain Father Tim who in turn blessed the crib. After Mass there were some refreshments served and everyone joined in the conversations.
Christmas day, during breakfast, all the Little Sisters gave a gift to the residents, it was hard to tell who was the most happiest, the Residents or the Little Sisters! The Eucharistic Celebration was at 10:30am, many residents and their families attended, the readings, singing and homily helped us to be thankful to God for the gift of His Son. The dining rooms were beautifully decorated and everyone enjoyed their meal. In the afternoon, everyone was invited to watch the DVD of the Christmas play the residents and employees had put on. Someone special was also invited…..yes, Santa Claus was able to come and join us, despite all the work he had done the night before!
The family spirit that is the legacy that St. Jeanne Jugan was left us reigns very much in Mullen Home and we are grateful to her for bequeathing that to us, how blessed we are. May the spirit, peace and joy of Christmas be with us each and every day of the year.
Click here to view a photo slideshow from this special time of year.
THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS AT MULLEN HOME