First things first! Our Chaplain, Father James Sullivan, led us in ushering in the New Year with a traditional Holy Hour of asking pardon for our past shortcomings, rendering thanks to our Great God for his providential care of us throughout all our days, and advancing with hope to the year to come. That was from 4 – 5 p.m. in our Chapel. Then, bouyed up with this awareness of God’s loving presence in our lives, we moved forward to the Father Ernest Center, happy revelers on this New Year’s Eve.
Joe Staffieri was already there crooning his tunes to enliven our party. His personalized comments and uplifting music continued to brighten the air as Sisters and Staff served supper to the Residents. Joe recognized a fellow entertainer among our newly arrived Residents. Vince Gallagher used to sing with Joe. Vince willingly accepted his invitation and delighted us with his old Irish melodies.
Likewise, our Little Sister Judith took the microphone and gave us the joy of remembering “Favorite Things” on this last day of the year. Treats and chatter, Philadelphia Mummer’s Music, dancing and strutting, balloons and confetti flew by and culminated with Auld Lang Syne. The usual New Year’s thought hit us all – Tempus fugit – time flies!
