St. Augustine Family Welcomes Mother Maria Christine
As the preparation for much anticipated arrival of Mother Maria Christine came to a close and the actual hour of her arrival was announced, Sisters, Residents, employees and others began to fill the lobby and front entrance of St. Augustine Home.
Soon there was great cheer as Mother stepped from the van which brought her from the airport. Many of the Sisters and some Residents and others were already familiar with Mother Maria Christine since she had been Mother Provincial of this Province a number of years before. This slight of a woman immediately broadcast the old adage “Little but mighty” as she broke out in a great smile and immediately began personally greeting all those present.
Escorted by Mother Provincial Loraine, she stepped into the lobby and was presented with a bouquet of flowers representing the genuine welcome all of us felt and symbolizing a new beginning both for her and for us.
There was standing room only in Lanagan Hall the next day when the St. Augustine family showed up to officially welcome Mother Maria Christine. She was greeted by the St. Augustine Choir and presented with a huge card signed by her new family here at St. Augustine. The President of the Guild, Linda Bear, and various Guild members also welcomed her.
Mother graciously thanked all present, asked us to be patient with all this newness and proceeded to recognize all the Sisters, some who have recently joined us as their new mission assignment. As Mother introduced all the Sisters, we realized we have an international community of Sisters representing Ireland, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the USA! Mother Provincial Loraine stood and thanked everyone for the warm reception of Mother Maria Christine and all the Sisters and for the continual support of the St. Augustine family through these times of COVID restrictions.
The value of humble service of the Little Sisters of the Poor to “desire to raise others up and to put their needs before our own; an appreciation of simple, everyday tasks and experiences and humble means in accomplishing our work” was punctuated today by their very presence.
There is no doubt that the spirit of St Jeanne Jugan and gratitude for all the Little Sisters was felt by the entire group present.
Welcome Mother Maria Christine