Things sure have been busy this summer in Scranton. Our Residents really have had full social and spiritual schedules!
While our Residents have certainly enjoyed the everyday activities of our home, the annual Holy Family Carnivals provided the peak of our fun in the sun and the celebration of St. Jeanne Jugan’s Feast Day gave all of us a beautiful reminder of why we conduct ourselves in our work and our daily living in a manner that really fills our home with God’s love.
You may have noticed in that last paragraph, that I wrote that we had Holy Family Carnivals. That wasn’t a typo – we actually had two of them this summer! Normally, we have our annual outdoor carnival in July, however due to stormy skies on carnival day, we had to move it indoors. But that didn’t stop us from having fun! We still had a picnic lunch with all of the trimmings as well as lots of games and even a clown!
In August at Holy Family Carnival – Part II, the weather was absolutely perfect as we headed up to the picnic area on our nearby hilltop for a full day of events. The activities included games, an employee dunk tank, face painting, a pie eating contest, potato sack races, a water balloon toss, Father Ruth’s magic show, and even a petting zoo.
Although the carnivals provided us with an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate, the celebration of St. Jeanne Jugan’s Feast Day was the pinnacle of our celebratory summer.
On August 30, Residents, Little Sisters, Association Jeanne Jugan members, family, and friends gathered for a special Mass, luncheon, and healing service. The Mass, which was celebrated by Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, was extraordinary. In his homily, Bishop Bambera spoke about St. Jeanne Jugan with such reverence and respect as he paralleled her work with the works our Little Sisters do each and every day.
Following the Mass, Bishop Bambera took the time to personally greet every person who attended the Mass and then joined us for lunch. At the lunch, the Bishop publicly congratulated Sr. Joseph Mary of Jesus, who is the Little Sister in charge of the St. John of God Unit, for 25-years of service to the elderly poor as a Little Sister.
As we enjoyed dessert, Mother Maureen announced one of our nurses, Dorothy Kalaus, had been nominated by her fellow employees and selected as the recipient of the 2012 St. Jeanne Jugan Award. This award is given annually to an employee who exemplifies the spirit of St. Jeanne Jugan and embodies a work ethic of humble service. Following the presentation, everyone enjoyed a ballroom dancing demonstration by students from Vince Brust Studios.
As the luncheon came to a close, we prepared for a special healing service in the chapel given by Brother Thomas Osorio of the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God. It was really beautiful to witness the devotion of our Residents as they sought out God’s healing via a blessing with the relic of St. John of God at the service.
As you can tell, it has been quite a summer here at Holy Family Residence.
Please click here to review a photo slide show with pictures from many of these events. Enjoy!
