Consecration of the Jubilee Bell
Friday, August 30 was a special day at St. Martin’s Home. We celebrated the Solemnity of Saint Jeanne Jugan and brought to close the 150th Jubilee of the arrival of the Little Sisters of the Poor to Baltimore, MD. To commemorate the anniversary, Mr. John Danko, board member and the President of the Baltimore-based Danko-Arlington, Inc., designed and cast a Jubilee Bell that was installed and consecrated on the feast day. The bronze bell is inscribed with the the dates 1869-2019 and a quote from Saint Jeanne Jugan.
The bell was consecrated “Jeanne Jugan” and installed at the main entrance of St. Martin’s, above the corner stone, where it welcomes all who enter the home with the words, “Jesus is waiting for you in the chapel. He is there for you in all our Homes. Go and find him when your strength and patience is giving out, when you feel lonely and helpless. Say to him: You know well what is happening, my dear Jesus. I have only you. And then go your way. And don’t worry about knowing how you are going to manage. It is enough to have told our good Lord. He has an excellent memory.”
The bell pealed following the Mass when each Sister had the opportunity to ring the bell. It will be used on special occasions, such as welcoming a new Resident and is also a lasting memorial to those who are a part of St. Martin’s history ringing out the Good News to future generations.
