St. Joseph Day, March 19th, is always an extra special day at any of the homes of the Little Sisters around the world. The Sisters have a wonderful tradition of inviting the bishops and priests of the diocese for a special liturgy and luncheon. This year we welcomed over 20 priests and 2 bishops to our home for this special feast day.
St. Joseph holds a special place in the hearts of the Little Sisters, as he was chosen early on by their foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan, as the devoted patron for their Congregation. St. Joseph has always been their great intercessor in providing for the elderly poor who seek refuge in their homes. Truly St. Joseph is the mediator of God’s loving Providence for our home, offering countless small miracles of grace throughout the history of the Little Sisters.
Many stories abound in the order of how St. Joseph was called on for assistance, and each time he fulfilled a particular need for the Residents. At every home of the Little Sisters there is always a statue of St. Joseph near the front entrance. In front of this statue are placed items representing the various needs of the home; bread, vegetables, monetary donations, etc.. Through many years of faithful devotion, the Sisters have prayed to St. Joseph to intercede on their behalf for the Residents. In large ways and in small ones, he has always helped the Sisters with their needs. So devoted are the Little Sisters to St. Joseph, as their patron, that they each carry a small statue of him at all times, a statue that is given to them when they profess their first vows.
Following in the example of St. Joseph, the humble stepfather of Jesus, our diocesan bishops and priests helped serve wine to our Residents at their noon lunch. The Residents just love the attention shown to them by the priests and welcome them into their home. The clergy always comment after the luncheon that they truly enjoy coming to our home and spending time with the Residents and Sisters.
The Little Sisters are so grateful for all that the clergy do to serve the faithful of our diocese, and in particular their support for our Residents. Through the weekend church collections at their parishes, helping throughout the year with liturgical functions, attending our special events and even by being one of our “Celebrity Chefs” and inviting others to help support our mission, the priests always give humbly of their talents.
