The Miracle of the Feast Day Flowers
Last evening, on the eve of the feast of our Mother, St. Jeanne Jugan, our “Resident Homemakers” were finishing their daily task of setting up the apartment dining room for the next day. Just then, Sr. Veronica, our Beggar, arrived with a large box of flowers. “Look what Patsy and Sheila just brought us! Can you use them for your tables for the feast?”
These two wonderful ladies live nearby and frequently take the trolley to participate in Mass in our Chapel. They had lovingly carried this heavy box on public transportation just to share a gift from a farmer friend with us. However, after the long journey in the heat, the blooms were looking quite wilted. We honestly thought it was a hopeless case.
Wait a minute!” said Mike, a Resident and former horticulturist. “I have some plant food in my apartment.” With determination, he hobbled up to the third floor with his cane. He returned with a smile. Three apartment Residents and their Little Sister quickly got to work. We mixed the magic solution, trimmed the stems, sorted through shriveled leaves and wilted blossoms, and arranged them into little vases. We placed them on the tables, admitting we were still a bit skeptical.
First thing the next morning—the feast of our Foundress—we hurried into the dining room to check on the decorations. Voila! Mike was right. Thanks to his expertise and a little care, those flowers had completely perked up. They stood tall and beautiful, a gorgeous tribute from our generous neighbors to honor St. Jeanne Jugan, Sister and Servant of the Poor!
