“…We must let ourselves be evangelized by the poor …Growing up in precarious circumstances, learning to survive in the most adverse conditions, and helping one another in the darkest moments, the poor have learned many things …We certainly have much to gain from the source of wisdom that is the experience of the poor.” (DT 102) These words of Pope Leo in his recent letter “Dilexi Te – On Love for the Poor’ hit home for us Little Sisters of the Poor. Indeed, we can learn much from our recently arrived Apartment Residents in the way have been making our new building into a real home—they are great homemakers!
Patricia S. came from a large apartment complex. After three years of experiencing the loneliness of knowing only the names of three fellow tenants there, she is now the first to greet newcomers to 5300 Chester Ave. She makes an effort to share useful information with each Resident and even offers to drive them to appointments if needed. It’s a joy to see Pat participate in the spiritual, cultural, and entertaining activities offered at Holy Family Home herself and encourage others to join in. Being the mother of a family, she sees ways of being of service and has taken full responsibility of the upkeep of our little Coffee Corner. Faithfully, at 7 a.m. each day, she is there making fresh coffee and, throughout the day, tidying up and replenishing supplies.
Patricia H. had to be watchful and alert raising six boys. She now has her eyes and heart open to the needs of others, including Staff and Little Sisters. She’s the first to say things like: “Sister, you look tired,” or “So-and-so is pale. Is he getting his meals and his meds?” Patricia has assumed the job of preparing napkins with cutlery for the apartment dining room. She is there every evening, bantering while keeping busy with 3 or 4 other Resident “homemakers.”
Theresa F. is another valued member of the little group of Holy Family Homemakers who gather each evening for chores and chatting in the apartment dining room. A lesson she shares is the importance of taking people where they are now, not judging them by their past. She says she felt perfectly accepted when she arrived. She shows us how to make other newcomers feel at home, as she did from the start.
Agnes P. cared for her disabled daughter until she died at 29. It’s not surprising that Agnes noticed a shortage of chauffeurs to transport Residents in wheelchairs to and from the Chapel. Even though Agnes herself might not be attending services, she is there, before and after, to lend a helping hand. This is just one example of her family spirit.
Likewise Bob A. exhibits his ability to make a house a home by distributing water pitchers in the dining room, by sweeping the patios, and by forever asking: “Can I do anything for you?” He often adds: “I learned to be a team player in the Marines when we had to stick together to endure the war in Vietnam.”
Mike O. contributes a homey touch to the third floor sitting area by purchasing fresh flowers for this area whenever he goes out. This is just one way he shares his horticultural skills. He claims that, because of certain circumstances, he found himself homeless before coming to Holy Family Home, so he is anxious to back the homelike atmosphere.
In many a dark moment throughout her life, Barbara M. has sought and found the Lord in Sacred Scripture. Now, with a missionary spirit, she strives to share the consolation of the Word with fellow Residents and staff. She is perceptive to note special needs in others and makes the effort to extend a personal invitation to the weekly Scripture sharing which she facilitates with loving care.
According to her, Marie T. grew up in a family where she could never do anything right in her mother’s eyes. Because of this, Marie refrains from being hard on anyone. She teaches us tolerance of other’s foibles. Her respectful listening and participation in Scripture Sharing each week is a practical application of her accepting attitude.
This is just a sampling of what we learn from our Residents. Much more remains in the Heart of God. In all, we find a resonance of Jeanne Jugan’s advice to look to the Holy Family of Nazareth and imitate the kindness and gentleness of Jesus. Mary, and Joseph in their dealings with each other. She must be smiling down on the family spirit of our Apartment Residents.
