This affirmation was the red thread throughout the Resident’s retreat which lasted three days from June 7th to the 9th. The Residents appreciated the down-to-earth, spiced with stories, instructions of Father Vincent Boney, C.P. from the Passionist-Basilica of St. Ann in Scranton, PA. Easily approachable, the Residents took advantage of an evening of questions and answers to learn more about “How to Live in Community.” How fitting, because, even though the Residents do not officially live in “a” community, they do form a community with each other, and St. Jeanne Jugan would have been pleased to know that the Residents strive to love one another more, which is, of course, a way of showing that they love God, as Father repeatedly pointed out.
On Wednesday, the Residents received the Sacrament of the Anointing, a special moment which we Sisters try to facilitate about twice a year. This Sacrament, which used to be called “Last Rites” is really a Sacrament of Healing, and many a times, if it does not bring about physical healing, it has fostered a greater spiritual awareness in a Resident.
Talking about the Gospel of John, chapter 17, verse 24, Father explained that we are a gift to God, we are a gift to ourselves and we are a gift to each other. Now it is up to us to live the graces received during this retreat.
