The halls of Holy Family Home were filled with a special warmth this week as we kept the Feast of St. Joseph, the beloved patron and provider of St. Jeanne Jugan’s “little family.” We were honored to welcome Philadelphia’s Auxiliary Bishop Efren Esmilla, who celebrated Holy Mass with our Chaplain, Father James Sullivan. Residents, Families, Little Sisters, Jeanne Jugan Associates, and even a few Employees gathered around the Table of the Lord to offer Him thanksgiving for His loving Providence coming to us through the intercession of St. Joseph.
In his homily, Bishop Efren offered a refreshing perspective on our Lenten journey. Noting that we are in the season of Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday, he reminded us that our penance should be marked by joy. He exhorted us to master our thoughts, words, and deeds to better focus on the dual commandment: Love God and Love Neighbor. His simplest yet most profound advice? Remember to smile!
The celebration didn’t end at the altar. After Mass, Bishop Efren spent time greeting everyone individually, bringing those encouraged smiles to every face he met. Then our guests took to the tables in the Apartment Residents’ dining room to share a feast day dinner.
On this day dedicated to St. Joseph, we felt truly blessed to experience the heartbeat of our local Church and to heed the Lenten call to smile and to rejoice in the Providence that continues to sustain our Home.
