After a cold snowy winter, it’s been a delight for our Sisters, Residents and staff to welcome the arrival of spring! The month started off with our Association Jeanne Jugan (AJJ) members renewing their promises on May 1st, feast of St. Joseph the Worker. Three new AJJ members – Mike Rafferty, Tim and Emily Malloy (pictured below) – were welcomed into the fold. AJJ is the lay group that is associated with the Little Sisters of the Poor.
On May 17, Mary Frances Cantwell (pictured below with Mother Provincial Margaret Regina and Mother Marie Edward) celebrated her 50th anniversary of making promises as an Oblate (now known as AJJ) of the Little Sisters of the Poor. She spent the first part of those years living and working in the Home in Germantown, then moved to Holy Family Home in the early 1970s. She is a quiet, humble presence, taking care of the Chapel and guest rooms, assisting at meals on the second floor, and covering at the front desk. We are blessed to have her and congratulate her on her Golden Jubilee!
Unfortunately, May was also a time of saying goodbye to Mother Marie Edward, who has been named as Mother of the Home in Richmond, VA. We are very sad to see her go, but send our prayers, thanks and best wishes with her to her new assignment.
Mother’s Day then rolled around. And what is Mother’s Day without flowers? We were so fortunate to have Falls Flowers in Manayunk solicit funds from its customers to pay for flowers for our Residents! Ann MacMullan also donated her time to make 80 beautiful floral arrangements! See her blog for a story of the project and pictures of our Residents receiving the generous, thoughtful gifts!
Finally, our Residents are thrilled to be able to sit outside again, soaking up the sun and watching our garden bloom! Their first big outdoor event was the Memorial Day picnic, held on a picture perfect day! They look forward to enjoying many more days sitting outside and walking around the grounds.
