The pilgrimages to the local shrines continued as the Residents visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown. They walked through the Holy Doors, toured the beautiful church and grounds, and spent time in prayer and reflection.
On August 30 we celebrated the feast of St. Jeanne Jugan, foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Bishop Timothy Senior celebrated Mass for us, as we thanked God for the blessing of St. Jeanne Jugan and the work that he began through her which continues today – the caring of the elderly poor. After Mass, Bishop Senior visited with the Residents in their dining rooms, and then had lunch with the Sisters.
We sadly said good-bye to Sr. Amy (below, left) and Sr. Mary Gerard (below, right), who are now at our Washington DC home, continuing their studies and formation. Please pray for them and also pray for vocations to our Congregation.
Our St. Jeanne Jugan-Pot of Gold Raffle event was a big success this year, thanks to your generous support. Almost 1,900 tickets were sold and over 750 people attended the event. Our honorees this year were Monsignor Ralph Chieffo, pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Media (pictured below with his sister, Theresa Kilcur, and Sister Veronica), and Ray and Judy Coughlin, Association of Jeanne Jugan members (pictured below with their family). For details on the event and a list of the winners, please CLICK HERE >>
Members of AJJ (Association Jeanne Jugan), a lay spiritual group associated with the Little Sisters of the Poor, sponsored a trip to Flemington for a group of Residents who normally do not get out due to mobility issues. A nice mix of Sisters, Residents, staff and AJJ members enjoyed the bus ride on a beautiful, sunny day. They were warmly greeted by the Little Sisters living at the Flemington home, which serves as a retreat and vacation place for the Sisters and Residents. All enjoyed a delicious lunch and a stroll around the grounds before heading back to Philadelphia.
Our gift shop is now being run by the Board of St. Francis auxiliary. Beautiful new items adorn the shelves. Sr. Elizabeth Teresa continues to have some of her items in the store in her “Vintage Corner.” Come stop by and start your Christmas shopping!
Holy Family Home is fortunate to be an apostolate site for St. Charles Seminary. This year we welcome three seminarians, pictured below, left to right: James Harmon (Trenton), Fr. Jim Sullivan, Dominic Kurtz (Philadelphia), and Michael Quillen (Raleigh). During their weekly visits, they lead the rosary, serve and read at Mass, help at the meal service, and visit with Residents. Our chaplain, Father Jim Sullivan, guides them in their experience of service to the elderly. Dominic is from St. Joseph Parish in Downingtown. Being at Holy Family Home helps him to see God in the elderly. Michael has learned about compassion, as he sees the suffering in the lives of our Residents. The experience here has been rewarding for Jim, who sees firsthand how the interpersonal touch brings joy to people. Please pray for our seminarians and for vocations to the priesthood.
Please join us at our next fundraising event – dinner at La Locanda Restaurant in Newtown Square. 20% of your bill will go to Holy Family Home. Please see our flyer for more information.
October is Respect Life Month. Please read this commentary, “To build the culture of life, put more heart in your hands,” written by one of our Sisters, which reflects on treating all with compassion, particularly those who are most vulnerable and in need. Thank you for helping us in our ministry of caring for the elderly, helping them to maintain their dignity up through their natural death.
