LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR SPRING/SUMMER 2020 NO 281

“May our struggles and our concern for this planet never take away the JOY of our HOPE.” Pope Francis: Laudato Si’

“When you go through deep waters I will be with you.” Isaiah 13:2 been trampling over their habitat; our seas are cleaner and fish are more bountiful. solated ‐ but never alone. So, no, not everyone wants things to go back to ‘how they were’. We prefer the Support and encouragement came from all quarters human race when people are kinder, more considerate and more focussed on what I is important. We’ve given space elsewhere in this magazine to V E Day and the immense joy and relief which greeted the news that, after six years, the War in Europe was finally over. Of course, these have also been dreadful times. Many people have died from the So many people lost their lives, so many millions were left injured, bereaved and virus, and therefore many are bereaved, most governments are facing huge deficits without homes or belongings. Yet, somehow, the British stoicism, fortitude and spirit and we will struggle for a long time before the books can be balanced. was not crushed. It may have been momentarily bowed, but it rose again to ‘keep calm and carry on’. It is perhaps not surprising then, that when faced with new For Catholics and worshippers of all faiths these have been particularly difficult times, adversity in the shape of a global pandemic, most of our residents, who lived through as churches of all denominations have been closed. Not only were we unable to the Second World War, took the imposed attend Mass in person, but we were not allowed to hold Funeral Masses with the regulations in their stride. They seemed not to coffin present. It is so hard to lose a loved one, and not being able to grieve, to say show much in the way of fear of contracting a final ‘farewell’ made the mourning process even more painful. Covid‐19. The greatest hardship experienced by most was the lockdown, which meant that their “Where is your God in all of this?” said the doubters. “Why did He allow this to families could not visit them in our and their happen?” The question is asked every time there is a disaster of any sort. So, did Homes. God visit this pandemic upon a wicked world? No, we don’t believe He did. We cannot know His mind, but could it be that He intends us to learn from this situation? As Little Sisters of the Poor we did all we could And, after several months, it seems we are learning some important lessons about to safeguard our residents, who, of course, are kindness, charity, consideration, gratitude, selflessness, proper regard for the planet among the most vulnerable groups. Meals were of which we are stewards. About loving our neighbour and our world. And that is delivered to rooms by staff who were where our God is to be found. appropriately dressed in protective kit, the temperature of every resident was taken twice a As Little Sisters of the Poor who tend and care for the elderly in need, we are among day and staff and Sisters did all we could to keep those who have been very much at the fore‐front of news headlines because of the spirits high. Our housekeeping and laundry staff vulnerability of those in Care Homes. We have lost friends and Little Sisters to Covid‐ were fastidious in their cleaning routines and various precautions were put in place 19. But we have been truly amazed at the generosity of so many people who have to reduce the risk of the virus entering the Homes and spreading. given money, goods and their time unstintingly to help us through this. We remain positive and we never forget to pray for those we love, for those we have lost and for As you will see in the following pages, throughout all, our suffering and exhausted world. We know that this will come to an end; we pray we received an extraordinary amount of help from we will all come out of it as better people. As Our Lord Himself said, “Stand firm, and you, our benefactors and friends! Food, fruit, you will win life.” (Lk 21:19) chocolates were regularly donated; masks and protective equipment were provided free, a taxi ‘Small yet strong in the love of God, account was opened by a benefactor to pay for the like St Francis of Assisi, travel to work for any of our staff who would all of us, as Christians, are called otherwise have had to use public transport. to watch over and protect Supportive letters and cards were sent from well‐ the fragile world in which we live, wishers, children and religious organisations, such as and all its peoples.’ the Sikh community. We launched appeals for funds, Pope Francis which had been seriously depleted as our Collecting Little Sisters were unable to leave the Homes. 2 3 been trampling over their habitat; our seas are cleaner and fish are more bountiful. solated ‐ but never alone. So, no, not everyone wants things to go back to ‘how they were’. We prefer the Support and encouragement came from all quarters human race when people are kinder, more considerate and more focussed on what I is important. We’ve given space elsewhere in this magazine to V E Day and the immense joy and relief which greeted the news that, after six years, the War in Europe was finally over. Of course, these have also been dreadful times. Many people have died from the So many people lost their lives, so many millions were left injured, bereaved and virus, and therefore many are bereaved, most governments are facing huge deficits without homes or belongings. Yet, somehow, the British stoicism, fortitude and spirit and we will struggle for a long time before the books can be balanced. was not crushed. It may have been momentarily bowed, but it rose again to ‘keep calm and carry on’. It is perhaps not surprising then, that when faced with new For Catholics and worshippers of all faiths these have been particularly difficult times, adversity in the shape of a global pandemic, most of our residents, who lived through as churches of all denominations have been closed. Not only were we unable to the Second World War, took the imposed attend Mass in person, but we were not allowed to hold Funeral Masses with the regulations in their stride. They seemed not to coffin present. It is so hard to lose a loved one, and not being able to grieve, to say show much in the way of fear of contracting a final ‘farewell’ made the mourning process even more painful. Covid‐19. The greatest hardship experienced by most was the lockdown, which meant that their “Where is your God in all of this?” said the doubters. “Why did He allow this to families could not visit them in our and their happen?” The question is asked every time there is a disaster of any sort. So, did Homes. God visit this pandemic upon a wicked world? No, we don’t believe He did. We cannot know His mind, but could it be that He intends us to learn from this situation? As Little Sisters of the Poor we did all we could And, after several months, it seems we are learning some important lessons about to safeguard our residents, who, of course, are kindness, charity, consideration, gratitude, selflessness, proper regard for the planet among the most vulnerable groups. Meals were of which we are stewards. About loving our neighbour and our world. And that is delivered to rooms by staff who were where our God is to be found. appropriately dressed in protective kit, the temperature of every resident was taken twice a As Little Sisters of the Poor who tend and care for the elderly in need, we are among day and staff and Sisters did all we could to keep those who have been very much at the fore‐front of news headlines because of the spirits high. Our housekeeping and laundry staff vulnerability of those in Care Homes. We have lost friends and Little Sisters to Covid‐ were fastidious in their cleaning routines and various precautions were put in place 19. But we have been truly amazed at the generosity of so many people who have to reduce the risk of the virus entering the Homes and spreading. given money, goods and their time unstintingly to help us through this. We remain positive and we never forget to pray for those we love, for those we have lost and for As you will see in the following pages, throughout all, our suffering and exhausted world. We know that this will come to an end; we pray we received an extraordinary amount of help from we will all come out of it as better people. As Our Lord Himself said, “Stand firm, and you, our benefactors and friends! Food, fruit, you will win life.” (Lk 21:19) chocolates were regularly donated; masks and protective equipment were provided free, a taxi ‘Small yet strong in the love of God, account was opened by a benefactor to pay for the like St Francis of Assisi, travel to work for any of our staff who would all of us, as Christians, are called otherwise have had to use public transport. to watch over and protect Supportive letters and cards were sent from well‐ the fragile world in which we live, wishers, children and religious organisations, such as and all its peoples.’ the Sikh community. We launched appeals for funds, Pope Francis which had been seriously depleted as our Collecting Little Sisters were unable to leave the Homes. 2 3 In NEWCASTLE a fund‐raising page was set up on social media by Joanne, who In a wonderful co‐operative initiative, ‘Oakham worked at Saint Joseph’s Home, to help pay for School’ in Rutland joined forces with Rutland hand sanitiser and vital equipment. Joanne’s Plastics to make face‐shields for key workers at the dedication to the work of the Little Sisters is Never too impressive rate of great as three generations of her family have young to care 600 per day by worked at the Home in Newcastle. using their 3‐D printers and laser cutters. And our LEEDS A Delifresh order for Home in was our Home in LEEDS one of the beneficiaries of this organized by Carol Visors in full production by Smith, daughter of kindness. cheerful and willing staff resident Margherita. Our grateful thanks go to the teachers and pupils of ‘Oakham School’ for arranging everything so well to At a time when everyone was struggling, your help keep our staff and residents safe and protected. generosity was boundless and we have no words to thank you. We have only our poor prayers to offer for you and your loved Over to our Home in MANCHESTER and once again, the generosity of folk is heart‐ ones as we assure you that your gifts are so important and appreciated by our dear warming. residents and staff, who, along with volunteers, went the extra mile to keep everyone smiling through! Our picture shows Sr Bernadette together with Marion, Activities’ Co‐ordinator, and Peter, a representative from an organisation called ‘Making Space’.

Sr Bernadette was in need of some vegetables for residents’ and Little Sisters’ meals, and was overwhelmed by the generous delivery of fresh produce donated to the Home. It is wonderful to witness how people are thinking of sharing with one another at the time of lockdown.

Musical entertainment provided by Mary & Catherine ‐ daughters of resident Agnes Gillard, LONDON ST ANNE’S.

“Making the elderly happy Providing light relief for the is all that counts.” residents in LEEDS! St Jeanne Jugan

4 5 Surely there is little more guaranteed to owards the end of April, family and friends of Alice Millar AJJ, who died recently lift the spirits than the sight of bright and Tand who was a former Jeanne Jugan Associate from St Peter’s Residence, raised beautiful flowers. Again, how blessed almost £1,000 in her memory for the work of everybody at St Peter’s, London. we are to have our gardens, especially at this time of the year. Their message ‐ “Thank you ST PETER’S for your wonderful work of keeping our friends safe.” And to contribute greatly to the profusion of flowers, during Ramadan Our thanks to all of YOU who walked, one of our Carers, Sarah Abdullah and ran and cycled to raise funds for us! her family donated seven hanging baskets to St Joseph’s Home MANCHESTER to be put in the courtyard where they can Adam and Holly ran around Streatham. be seen and admired by the residents. Fergus, John and Sarah walked through During lockdown, especially in the early Bluebell Woods. days, it was deemed vital that residents were mostly confined to their rooms for Joey and Amy ran through their own Brockwell Park. safety. It has not Paul cycled 60km around his garage! been easy, but Simon and Catrina ran and cycled Zoom time at the Little through Bushy Park. St Peter’s Residence Sisters did everything we could to lessen the impact of the loss Sean ran along the riverside at of physical contact which was felt partpicularly Kingston. acutely when it came to family members. Our Homes provided electronic tablets and were helped in this Richard cycled to Crystal Palace. by residents’ family members and kind people Mrs Lilian Hodges keeps wanting to help, so that visual contact could be in touch with her family Dan cycled all over London and Susan maintained. with video calls walked around parts of south Wales. It was also important to keep everyone informed. At And also involved were Adrian, Holly our Home in MANCHESTER, this was and Daniel. We are indebted to you all. achieved by streaming our Residents’ Meetings on TV screens so that all could participate and be given news of events nationally and locally. Mother Josephine The Little Sisters have been deeply touched by the kindness (pictured on screen) took the opportunity to of so many people and we are hugely grateful to everyone voice her thanks to the staff for their who has donated, and continues to donate, at a time when exceptional standards of care and attention our usual channels of fund‐raising have been closed off and to the needs of the residents during these we are currently unable to hold events, such as our Summer days. Fayre, upon which we rely so much.

6 7 Unaverse to Verse! Covid‐19 ‐ We Will Beat You

Poetry to reflect the times we live in. We asked some of residents and staff to A pandemic declared channel their inner poet and share their thoughts and experiences of this lockdown There is nothing we can do. situation in which we find ourselves. We pray that it will pass as quick as the ‘flu. Isolating throughout the day Together Apart Care delivered come what may Together, apart we will come through With meals on wheels and face masks shielding A time like no other, it’s what we do. Our goal to keep everyone from coughing or wheezing. Our world is so precious, our lives do we treasure No hairdresser on site And now we must all keep apart to a measure. Our hair would give you a fright But never fear our Marian is here 2 metres the distance, respect one another She does her best armed with rollers and comb for each of us is sister or brother. And works her magic by getting in the zone. Be kind and be thoughtful to each one we know The loneliness comes and goes in waves, and the world will enjoy a warm fuzzy glow. but it’s ok to feel this way... We miss our families we hold dear Try to be patient, it’s a nasty old thing But can keep in touch with new tech here. we can’t hurry time, but let’s join in and sing! Stay safe, stay at home, save lives you don’t know We salute our residents, Sisters and staff And remember them all by giving a weekly clap. Apart but together on this journey we go. We keep smiling through remembering too we are in it together and that we will beat YOU! Margaret Moroney, volunteer, St Anne’s Home London Poem by Pauline Doherty, St Joseph’s Home, Manchester THE LAUNDRY GIRLS The laundry girls are quite unique Keeping all garments clean and neat They wash, then iron, fold and pile “We miss our Look at their faces and see the big smile families we Dry skin irritation are common complaints hold dear...” But their sense of humour is never displaced So here’s thanks to our laundry staff who day after day Take Covid‐19 and wash it away.

Laundry Staff, St Joseph’s Newcastle

8 9 Two Metres Praise be to You, my Lord! Two metres apart we are told we must be will this be the end for you and for me? he second Encyclical from Pope Francis was released in May 2015 and was For speaking to me, don’t know about thee Tentitled Laudato Si’ ‐ ‘Praise be to You’. The Two metres is by far now, more than I can see. title came from a canticle of St Francis of Assisi from whom, as we know, the Holy Father took his I’ll listen for your voice when you come near papal name. St Francis of Assisi is one of our most But in the big hall, I’ll miss you I fear popular saints and is regularly depicted as being And even outside, when it’s sunny and clear surrounded by animals, birds and fruits of the I fear you’ll walk by in the sun’s glare, my dear. earth, and so his passion for Nature serves as a fitting catalyst to urge us to care more for that Two metres alone in my circle I’m bound. which God created out of love for us. I stretch out my hand and nothing is found. So I’ll shout out in case you might be around On the fifth anniversary of the publication of Beyond the two metres, I might hear your sound. Laudato Si’ and with the world in a degree of turmoil from the global pandemic, the Holy Father But alas I’m afraid, it’s not to be felt it was important to remember St Francis, who This might the end for you and for me. For outside this same mark, where I cannot “SEE” “If you have men who will exclude any there’s nothing I “HEAR”, but God’s good air, silent and free. of God’s creatures from the shelter of ‘lived in simplicity and in wonderful compassion and pity, you will have harmony with God, with others, Jim men who will deal likewise with with nature and with himself’. He their fellow men.” Francis of Assisi shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace.’

Our Holy Father goes on to say that our common home ‐ Earth ‐ is like a sister with whom we share our life and a mother who opens her arms to embrace us. ‘This sister is now crying out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her. […] We have forgotten that we ourselves are dust of the earth (Gen. 2:7); our very bodies are made up of her elements, we breathe her air and we receive life and refreshment from her waters.’ (Laudato Si’, Pope Francis)

10 11 Fresh air, nature and greenery are surely beneficial for everyone. During the are for our common home’ pandemic there has been a resurgence of interest in the pastime of gardening. ‘C At our Home in NEWCASTLE one of our residents found That is the subtitle of the Encyclical Laudato Si’ and it is something we, Little huge solace in helping our Sisters of the Poor, have tried to take to heart as far as we are able. Most of our gardeners. Marian Molloy residents and, indeed, many of our Little Sisters, remember a time when the was greatly missing roads were not gridlocked, when air travel was a rarely‐afforded luxury and tending her own garden when mass‐production with all its factory pollution was in its infancy. Now it when she moved into our seems that Society has lost its way as people become ever more greedy and Home and so jumped at needy of material goods which are so cheap to produce by underpaid workers the chance offered by and so quickly discarded ‐ often into huge landfill sites. Pope Francis is right to John the gardener to help draw our attention to this and we all need to re‐set our priorities. him nurture the flowerbeds near the fish “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that pond and also tend the will endure as long as life lasts.” strawberry patch. She Rachel Carson, conservationist and marine biologist takes her watering duties very seriously and can be seen diligently wielding The global pandemic of Covid‐19 has taught us some salutary lessons. We do The fish in the pond… have trebled in size! not need to spend so much time in our cars, flights overseas for business her watering can every meetings can be carried out equally easily day in the garden. online and during the lockdown we have learned how to provide more efficiently for ourselves when it comes to food as some things we thought of as ‘essential’ just weren’t available. In these ways we have come to a better appreciation, perhaps of the things we have previously taken for granted.

Our Homes all have the great blessing of a Apparently the rabbits are also garden! And what a true godsend that has enjoying the garden and been. We have been able to benefit from some fine weather as our residents providing a useful bit of were encouraged to spend some time outdoors enjoying the burgeoning plants ‘weeding’ by eating all the of late Spring and hearing the birds busily carrying on as normal ‐ except that dandelions they can get their they are enjoying considerably less polluted air! St Francis would be delighted! fluffy paws on! Not only that, Fresh air, nature and greenery are surely beneficial for everyone. During the but the fish in the pond have, by pandemic there has been a resurgence of interest in the pastime of gardening. all accounts, trebled in size in the space of a year! They are Not too long to “How could this earth of ours, which is only a speck in the heavens, have so obviously happy with their much variety of life, so many curious and exciting creatures?” Walt Disney surroundings! wait for the strawberries 12 13 Independent resident Mrs Margaret Roome at ST PETER’S in London is truly diligent about watering the The GREAT Outdoors During Lockdown many plants we have in the Home. The House has two connecting corridors which have Have we ever been so grateful to have gardens at our Homes? All our gardeners are glazed roofs and tall windows and the plants clearly dedicated, hard workers who ensure that the grounds are a delightful oasis for our enjoy these as wonderful greenhouses! They grow residents to soothe away cares and provide wonderful fresh air in the warmer abundantly, but they do need regular watering: step months. We have been forward Margaret with her watering‐can! especially grateful for these open spaces once lockdown Margaret is very enthusiastic about the garden and tells rules were eased. us, ‘Pawel our Polish gardener has At ST ANNE’S in Stoke created such Newington, London social beauty. He has also made many bird houses distancing rules were strictly (below) which he has installed around our observed during some flag‐ garden plus small box houses for garden insects waving in the garden for VE Day to multiply. He has made the garden a nature commemorations. reserve.’

Across the Thames, at ST PETER’S Margaret does not just confine herself to helping Pawel in our garden. We’ll let her in Vauxhall, residents were explain: “In March 2019 I was distressed to see the plants at the Oval Underground encourage to soak up some Station in desperate need of care. I asked the Station Manager if I could tend them. vitamin D from the sun while also He welcomed me with open arms. So, up to January 2020, lapping up some ice‐cream and I resuscitated the many large plants. The staff were cake, served by masked Little wonderful to me and most helpful. On two occasions Sisters, Jeanne Jugan Associates Mother Jacinta allowed Pawel to help me by pruning the and volunteers! plants and giving them his professional attention… and so they flourished. Last summer the Oval Underground Eileen Strevens, (below left) is the Station won third prize for the best kept Station. They had AJJ Province Co‐Ordinator and she never won a prize before! Working together in this way became a community proved to be an absolute gem of project. It brought new friendships. Kathy, a member of the Oval staff has taken assistance: she lived in one of the over. Working in this way has brought a greater awareness of the growth of new life, guest rooms in the Home for over not only for the environment but for 2 months during the lockdown so relationships with our fellow man and that she could be constantly on woman.” hand to help, without the risk of carrying the virus into the House. Also busily at work in her newly created ‘raised Eileen was one of several garden’ in one of the courtyards is another volunteers to whom the Little independent resident Millie Da Silva. So the Sisters and residents are indebted residents can see even more beauty from indoors. for their selfless hard work

14 15 “Old age is not an illness...... it’s a privilege” Pope Francis

On 31st January this year, Pope Francis welcomed participants to the first International Vatican Conference on the Pastoral Care of the Elderly. It had been organised by the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life and it has been entitled:

“The Richness of Many Years” “Generations are called to share in God’s plan of love, in a relationship of the mutual On these two pages we reproduce some of the comments made by the Holy Father exchange of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.” in his opening address to the Congress. “The richness of many years […] is the precious treasure that takes form in the life journey of each man and woman […] Life is a gift, and when it is long it is a privilege.”

“The elderly are also present in the “The indifference and rejection that our future of a Church, together with societies manifest towards the elderly the young. […] That is why it is so demand not only of the Church, but of all of important that those advanced in us, a serious reflection to learn to grasp and years and the young speak to each to appreciate the value of old age.” other.”

“(The elderly) are the indispensable link in educating children and young people in the faith. We must get used “In the Bible, longevity is a blessing. […] In to including them in our pastoral granting old age, God the Father gives us horizons and to considering them […] time to deepen our knowledge of Him, our as one of the vital components of our intimacy with Him, to enter ever more into communities.” His heart and to surrender ourselves to Him.”

16 17 Victory in Europe Day 1945 ‘After VE Day there was a street party held in our road, for the under 12‐year olds. The joy was unbelievable. At every opportunity a party was held. The tables were laid out, outside Sheila Hancock’s 75th Anniversary 2020 family home in Latham Road. (Sheila ‐ right ‐was later to become a well‐known actress). She was a year older than me, so at 12 years of age she was too old for the children’s party. Her father was the ARP warden. He was very active in the War effort. He n VE Day ‐ 8th May ‐ we were united ‐ used to check our gas masks. He was a lovely person. Owhile still keeping carefully apart ‐ in We all came from humble beginnings and Sheila commemorating Victory in Europe Day. Once never forgot her roots. again we were blessed with glorious weather and residents dressed up in patriotic colours to ‘Now, looking back I think how hard it must have been at that time for all those recall the excitement of the day, while at the who lost loved ones whether Service Men or civilians. ‘In the Imperial War same time offering up prayers of gratitude for Museum it states between 1939 and 1945 about 55 million adults and children the many who gave their lives in pursuit of the died. Many more died later from the effects freedom we enjoy today. Admittedly our of injuries received.’ freedom has been slightly curtailed by the efforts to contain the pandemic ‐ but ‘we’ll Paula Young is also an Independent resident meet again’ in more normal circumstances from St Peter’s; and she remembers the before too long, please God. celebrations in central London. She related them to Mother Provincial Caroline during a We asked some of our residents for their recent ‘ lockdown foot pampering session’! particular memories of the great day in 1945. Margaret Norris ‘The morning of VE Day, 8th May 1945, was very sunny and warm. My parents decided that Margaret Roome from ST PETER’S RESIDENCE recalls: we would go out early as crowds were already gathering in Westminster. During the previous ‘There were 7 children in my family. I was 10 years of age that time. We lived in night Admiral Donitz and Field Marshall Jodl Latham Road, Bexleyheath in Kent. had met with General Montgomery and the British Allied Representatives and told them ‘There was dancing and singing. that the Germans had surrendered and the War Pianos were wheeled out of the was over. Everyone waited for Winston Churchill to proclaim Peace was finally here! houses and played. Some people had fireworks. I don’t know where ‘I asked my parents if we could go to Buckingham Palace as the crowds were going they got them from ‐ perhaps they there to cheer the King and to share victory with him and his family. Crowds filled were saved from before the War. the streets and the roads and everyone was smiling and laughing, just one big happy The children were allowed to stay family of people enjoying peace at last! The atmosphere was wonderful with jostling up late ‐ all very exciting. and lots of cheering, everyone talking as if they had known each other for years. “What a day! The War is over, peace at last,” they said.

18 19 ‘Thousands of spectators filled the Mall and Trafalgar Square and all the surrounding streets. The War is over ‐ every nationality of Service men and women just dancing and singing in the sunshine!

‘Every few minutes the King, Queen and the two Princesses came onto the balcony to roars and cheers and they were later joined by Churchill himself.

‘Eventually, tired but happy, we three went home and that night my parents said, “You will never forget VE Day and what it has meant to us and millions like us”.’

Residents from around our Homes Still smiling and giving thanks to God for peace ‐ 75 Years on!

King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and their daughters, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret on the balcony at Buckingham Palace, 8 May 1945.

Prime Minister, Winston Churchill greets excited crowds on VE Day 1945. A notice-board of VE Day memories 20 21 Our own pantomime was Cinderella. We other General’s Travels ‐ Before Lockdown had no script, except that which was ad‐ libbed, but the story was moved on by a M narrator, who paused occasionally to explain some of the finer idiosyncrasies n January of this year, before the global pandemic of Covid‐19, when people were of the plot, such as it was! Istill travelling about freely, we were delighted to welcome to the Province of London Mother General Maria del Monte Auxiliadora and Mother Assistant Joseph Because we were unable to effect quick Christine. This was not an official visit, but very much a working trip for a couple of costume changes ‐ despite our having a weeks. In that time our special guests visited most of our Homes in England from Fairy Godmother with a magic wand ‐ we their base at St Peter’s Residence in London. Mother General was also in the UK to had two Cinderellas: one in tatters and brush up on and practise her English. We were all instructed not to make a ‘big fuss’ one in a ball‐gown! The fairy coach was of the VIP visitors as they had a good deal of work to pack into a relatively short cut out of cardboard and mounted on a wheeled walking frame, the giant mice, made amount of time. But, of course, we could not let their visit pass without a little out of white fake fur, were pushed on to the stage with longs sticks and ‐ to the huge entertainment ‐ after all, a person has to relax sometimes! delight of everyone in the House ‐ our Ugly Sisters were played to absolute perfection by our maintenance men, Vinnie and Rick! You never saw a better pair of Ugly So it was that we decided to present a little show at St Peter’s at the start of the visit Sisters! Both of the men are burly chaps, the sort of man you want around when so that Mother General Maria and there’s heavy maintenance work to do. To see them dressed up in gorgeous flouncy Mother Assistant Joseph Christine dresses, huge wigs and odd‐coloured socks is a sight most of us will find it hard to could get to meet everyone in the forget! As you can imagine, they brought the house down! Mother General Maria Home. The show was very much of the may not have had much of an idea about the panto’s plot, but she certainly ‘variety’ type with sketches, songs and recognised a funny sight when she encountered it! dances performed by residents, staff and volunteers. Mother General is At the end of the show Mother General delighted us by playing a short piece on the originally from Spain and we wanted her to feel welcome ‐ but not too homesick! The first sketch involved a couple of residents with their holiday suitcases ‐ one heading for Vauxhall and the other under the impression they were going to Valencia in Spain – it was accompanied by the Spanish song ‘Y Viva España’ which was belted out with huge enthusiasm by everyone ‐ including Mother Maria! There followed typical English songs to which special words had been written to mark the occasion. Our chaplain, Canon Michael Cooley produced a fine Papal impersonation, and everyone was delighted when the residents, led by Jeanne Jugan Associate Connie Cull, performed a ‘hand jive’. We decided that the finale should be something typically British and what could be more British than a pantomime? What could be more confusing to a non‐Brit than a pantomime? The leading man is played by a woman and the pantomime dame is played by a man ‐ simple!

22 23 piano by way of thanks. Music crosses all language borders. The show was declared VIÑA DEL MAR is known as the a huge success and Mother Assistant Joseph Christine reported that she didn't think ‘Garden City’ and Mother she had ever seen our gentle, caring and good‐humoured Mother General laugh General Maria and Mother quite as much before! ‘Result’ as the young ones would say! Assistant Patricia were treated to a short ride in a horse‐drawn We so look forward to welcoming Mother General Maria back to the UK one day carriage from the gate of the when we can travel freely again. Home to the entrance, accompanied by music from the police band!

In the Autumn of last year, Mother General Maria, accompanied by Mother Assistant On the trip to our Home in Peru the Patricia Ivonne del Espiritu Santo, made a Canonical Visitation to the Province of guests’ car was stopped by more Chile‐Argentina a part of the world police ‐ this time not playing music! which has recently been so badly On being told that Mother General affected by the Covid‐19 pandemic. was in the car, the officer allowed the Mother General Maria is deeply group to pass ‐ but only on condition saddened by the devastation in the area she so enjoyed visiting and, along with all the Little Sisters, is remembering their of receiving a blessing, people in her prayers. for which he respectfully removed his helmet!

The trip began with a visit to our Home Three regions of Peru in SANTIAGO ‐ where Mother General are quite distinct by Maria planted three araucaria trees, their geography and which they named Peace, Charity and culture: TACNA is located Joy. These national trees are conifers which can live for up to 1000 years. in one of the driest regions of Peru and the staff, residents and Jeanne Jugan Associates The next stop on the treated the visitors to Visit was CONCEPCIÓN, wonderful and colourful where the visitors were entertainment ‐ including entertained by a show games involving water and ink, put on by the Home and which had been tactfully based on the Papal replaced with pieces of paper. Encyclical, Laudato Si.

24 25 Next stop was LIMA, where Bishop Carlos Garcia Camader oments of Pure Gold of Lurin, celebrated Mass. The Bishop works a great deal with the poor, orphans and TB M patients. His motto is a fitting Pope Francis celebrated his one for our age: ‘Do not be Golden Jubilee of Ordination on afraid’ and he tries to live out 13th December last year and the the motto with the Little Sisters were keen to mark intercession of the Blessed the occasion in some special Virgin Mary, saying, as she did, way. After discussing it fully, it “Let it be done according to was decided that Little Sisters your word.” and residents all over the world From Lima the visitors went to SAN ISIDRO in Argentina where they were again greeted would be asked to pray for the with great enthusiasm, colour and spectacle and had the honour of planting a ceibo tree intentions of the Holy Father and in the garden of the Home. The ceibo offer these prayers as a spiritual tree bears the splendid red Argentine bouquet. The other idea was to present the Pope with some chalices for him to pass national flower. on to missionary priests. And so the elderly and friends in our Homes were invited to contribute small offerings to put towards the purchase of 18 chalices, representing Any homesickness which might have the seventeen Provinces of the Congregation and the Mother‐House and Novitiates. been felt by Mother Maria was surely Generous donations were received enabling Mother General to give also a monetary dispelled at NEUQUEN, their next stop in gift to the Holy Father for his charities: ‘an offering from the poor to the Pope’s poor’. Patagonia. It was here that the visitors were offered a large plate of paella from Ten tickets were obtained for a private audience with Pope Francis on 5 December 2019. the Spanish society, so it was bound to Mother General Maria and Mother Assistant Benoite travelled to Rome where they chose be authentic! Mother Maria and her a delegation of five Little Sisters and five residents from our Homes in Rome and Marino. companions also visited the new Home where construction is well advanced. The elderly residents were very conscious of their role as ambassadors of the elderly of the world; they were all truly poor and of various nationalities and each one needed some On the morning of their departure, Mother General Maria was delighted to see assistance from a Little Sister ‐ sevillanas members of the Spanish society dance for her! truly representative of our The flight from Neuquen to mission. Buenos Aires and then to Santiago went well and Mother General reported Mother General Maria and that the Pope seemed Mother Assistant Patricia genuinely moved by the arrived home filled with elderly in the little happiness and gratitude for delegation as he looked into the love shown them during their eyes, bright with their trip to the Province of excitement and eagerness Chile‐Argentina and with the as they assured him of their promise of continued prayers for the Mission of the Little Sisters of the Poor prayers. throughout the world, especially in these troubled times. 26 27 The little group included Sr Thérèse undreds of Blessings! Nazarena, who is 99 Celebrating Centuries notched up! years old and H requires a wheel‐ chair. When she was introduced to It is always such a joy for us to celebrate the centenary of the residents at our Care the Holy Father, his Homes up and down the country. These occasions are ones which merit parties and eyes twinkled as he happy celebrations, although in recent weeks and months these have had to be rather said, “Here is a more muted than at other times. But still, anyone who has lived for one hundred years postulant!” She took and more, is well accustomed to his hand and living through some difficult assured him of her times and tends not to be too prayers. fazed if the party has to be postponed, or ‘socially‐ Mother General Maria told the Pope that Sr Thérèse symbolised “the offering of the distanced’. prayers and sufferings of so many sick and elderly Little Sisters in the Congregation.” At ST PETER'S RESIDENCE in ‘Some beautiful things will come from this’ London, RITA RAVERA notched up an amazing 106 years on 24 The Pope enquired about our vocation efforts and said, “Put young people in touch May. Here she is pictured at her with the elderly. Don’t hesitate to go to parishes and invite the young people to celebration garden party. The come to your Homes to give them some contact with the elderly. Some beautiful table is laden with goodies, things will come kindly donated by Westminster from this.” Rotaract Club..

Amen to that. Also at St Peter’s, DEACON FINTAN PHELAN is 100 years old. Deacon Fintan, seen left with Sr Ana Maria, is still very sprightly and has probably the widest smile in the House!

Finally, BRIDGET CONROY, (right) who has lived at St Peter’s for almost 30 years and worked at one time for the late Queen Mother is also 100. She is pictured in the garden where she enjoyed looking after our grotto and making sure the The Holy Father examines the Spiritual Bouquet of Prayers presented by Mother birds always had clean water in the bird bath. General Maria on behalf of the Little Sisters and our friends from all over the world.

28 29 Making the news and Silver Linings attracting press attention in Dublin was JOSEPHINE SILO. One of the silver linings surrounding the Coronavirus cloud has been the appreciation of front‐line medics and care staff as shown by the regular Thursday Clapping for Josie, as she is known, is 103 Carers. Naturally we are hugely proud of all our staff ‐ not just our care teams, but years old and tested positive all the other staff in our Homes who continue to work so hard to also give loving care for Covid‐19, which she has and preserve some sort of normality in these abnormal times. shaken off and, after 14 days of isolation, has now been given Our Home in MANCHESTER decided to have a special ‘Staff Appreciation Day’ during the ‘all clear’. In true which Mother Josephine and the Community showed their centenarian style she gratitude to all the staff by inviting them to a buffet lunch, commented, “It wasn't too willingly prepared by the catering staff, and also giving bad. I had a cough, that’s all.” them a card and a small gift. It is always lovely to be appreciated and how encouraged we can be by a simple Josie, like so many of our residents, misses her family ‐ in her case, her nieces ‐ being ‘thank you’! able to come and visit her because of the restrictions. But it doesn't mean that she has ‘let herself go’! Not at all! Sr Miriam at the Sacred Heart Residence in RAHENY, 12 May was INTERNATIONAL NURSES’ DAY and this year says that Josie never goes anywhere without her ruby red lipstick and loves to have we have particular reason to be grateful for their hard her hair dyed jet black! What a girl! work and their willingness to put themselves on the front‐ line in the treatment of Covid‐19 sufferers. Our Home in And undeterred by Sisters and staff in protective masks, CONNIE GRAINGER at our GLASGOW made a ‘special fuss’ of our nurses by giving Home in Manchester, very much enjoyed cutting into and, no doubt, tucking into, the them a small gift and a Certificate of Thanks by way of magnificent cake made for her 102nd birthday! appreciation for their work. The Clydesdale Singers also donated colourful bags into which the nurses could put their uniforms before placing them straight into the washing machine, reducing the risk of cross‐infection.

In WATERFORD more generosity abounded with gifts of oxygen concentrators, slings, face masks, alcohol hand sanitiser and scrubs. An Amish bakery also donated cakes and are working on providing gowns to wear in place of plastic aprons.

We will get through this while people are working Hundreds of Congratulations all round to all our centenarians ‐ too many to together for the good of mention here! How wonderful! God bless you all. others.

30 31 In Memoriam The Prayer of Pope Francis to Our Blessed Lady asking for her intercession to bring an end to the global pandemic ince the last issue of Safe Home we have said ’farewell’ to a number of residents, Sfriends and Little Sisters who have been called home to God. Some have been victims of the Covid‐19 virus, some have just reached the end of their time on earth. O Mary, Help us, Mother of Divine Love, We ask for your prayers for all those who have died that they may be admitted You shine continuously to conform ourselves speedily into their heavenly home and also for the consolation of the loved ones they on our journey to the will of the Father have left behind, particularly in these difficult times. as a sign of salvation and hope. and to do what Jesus tells us.

Without wishing to single out any one person as being special, we nevertheless We entrust ourserlves to you, thought we would mention the death of Mgr Freddie Miles, Prot. Ap., from St Peter’s For he took upon himself our suffering, Residence in London, simply because he was known by so many people. Health of the Sick, and burdened himself with our sorrows who, at the foot of the cross, to bring us, through the cross, Mgr Miles came to St Peter’s in September 1998 when he retired (because of failing were united with Jesus’ suffering, to the joy of the Resurrection. eyesight) from his parish of St James’s, Spanish Place in central London ‐ one of the and persevered in your faith. churches frequented by the first English Little Sister, Caroline Sheppard. Prior to his 22 years as Rector at Spanish Place, Mgr Miles had served as Private Secretary first We fly to your protection, to Cardinal John Heenan (for 9 years) and then to Cardinal Basil Hume (for 2 years). Protectress of the Roman people, O Holy Mother of God; During that time he became very well known to the clergy of Westminster Diocese as you know our needs, Do not despise our petitions well as to the clergy generally in England and we know that you will provide, in our necessities, and Wales. so that, as at Cana in Galilee, but deliver us always joy and celebration may return from every danger, Before his work at Archbishop’s House, after this time of trial. O Glorious and Blessed Virgin. Mgr Miles had been a schoolmaster and Housemaster at St Edmund’s College in Ware ‐ the oldest continuously operating Catholic school in the country which was founded as a seminary in 1568 and at which Mgr Miles had studied to become a priest ‐ something he knew he wanted to do from the age of 9 years. Mgr Miles died from natural causes, in Holy Week on 6th April at the age of 94, in the 70th year of his priesthood. He was much loved by all who knew him and his uncomplaining, good humoured demeanour together with his huge sense of fun and innate holiness will live on in the memory of many people.

May his, and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace and rise in glory. U

32 2016 at the Vatican CNS photo/Paul Haring Walk of Faith

“In the world you will have trouble, but be brave: I have conquered the world.”

John 16:33 “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.

C. S. Lewis

Walk of Faith: Painting by Thomas Kinkade SAFE HOME ‐ SPRING/SUMMER 2020 ‐ No. 281 ‐ Little Sisters of the Poor © Thomas Kinkade Studios Produced by MJR Print, 6 Burns Court, St Neots, Cambs PE19 7RF Tel. 01480 473899