August 30th is the Feast of the Little Sisters’ Mother Foundress St. Jeanne Jugan. It was an extra special day at our Home for many reasons. Last year, a beautiful old tabernacle was found in our attic on Benton Avenue. It is believed that the tabernacle was originally from the Little Sisters chapel of the Penn Avenue Home before it closed in the early 1970s. The restored tabernacle was installed in our Gloria Chapel and then blessed by Father Bill Feeney during Mass on St. Jeanne Jugan’s Feast Day.
To celebrate St. Jeanne Jugan and give the Residents a better understanding of life in France when she founded the Congregation, Mother Loraine planned a wonderful French themed afternoon. The auditorium was decorated with scenes of France and paintings that depicted everyday life in the first few homes. Residents were served delicious homemade crepes and offered wine as Mother explained what living was like in 1800s in France. A Resident and a volunteer dressed up in garments representing the clothes worn by French women of that era and even Sister Mary Matthew was outfitted in a replica of the congregation’s early habit. It was an informative and fun way to celebrate St. Jeanne Jugan and share her way of life with all in attendance!
