We celebrated the closing ceremony for our 125th Anniversary year on Feb. 3rd and what a beautiful celebration it was! The event was an intimate gathering of the closest friends and benefactors of the Little Sisters over the years. The Eucharistic Liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Leonard Blair and concelebrated by a number of diocesan priests close to the home.
After the Liturgy concluded, all guests were led in a procession down the second floor hallway to an area taped off by caution and construction signs. Bishop Blair blessed the area, which will be renovated into a future nursing bedroom. The renovation of this area, along with several others, will expand the number of fully skilled nursing beds from 25 to 47, leaving a remaining 6 assisted living rooms and 20 independent living apartments. This will better allow us to meet the needs of tomorrow’s elderly.
In his blessing of the renovation areas Bishop Blair mentioned the special care received by all Residents from the Little Sisters and the warmth and love extended to all the elderly poor. The event concluded with a social and dinner, where Residents mingled with the invited guests. Later Mother Cecilia Mary said in her closing remarks “The mission of the Little Sisters of the Poor to care for the elderly poor is not one we can accomplish on our own. We could never have dreamed of accomplishing our bed licensing program and the expansion of our home without the support of you good people.
Going forward, we have deliberately chosen the theme of “Faith – Friends – Family” for our 126th year here in 2011. We believe that it is through our abiding Faith in Divine Providence that we as Little Sisters are able to continue our work each day. We know that this faith is strengthened and renewed by our Friends – those supporters of the home who engage and help us with our mission. Together as Friends in Faith we belong to the Family of the Sacred Heart Home.”
