On the Feast of St. Jeanne Jugan, August 30, we were honored to have Bishop Raymond Chapetto, newly ordained auxiliary bishop of the Brooklyn diocese, and several priest friends join us to celebrate the feast day Mass. The novitiate community came to animate the liturgy, helping all to praise God in joyful song. Bishop Chapetto arrived early and took time to visit our Resident bishop and priests. Following Mass he greeted each of the Residents in their dining rooms before joining them for the feast day meal. That afternoon the novitiate community joined us again for a short entertainment in the auditorium. Residents, Little Sisters and Association Jeanne Jugan members reenacted a living tableau of the James Collison painting, down to the smallest details. The Residents enjoyed looking at a copy of the painting in the front lobby to see which “part” they would be playing. One Resident naturally agreed to be an older woman whose back is turned to the audience – all you can see is the back of her head! The actors were able to remain motionless for several minutes, giving the audience time to admire this hospital scene which so captures the family spirit begun by St. Jeanne Jugan. After the entertainment everyone came outside to welcome our favorite summer visitor … the Mr. Softie ice cream truck!
Feast of St. Jeanne Jugan