“What Happiness for us, to be a Little Sister of the Poor” (Saint Jeanne Jugan)
On April 24, Sister Joseph of St. Margaret Mary celebrated 50 years of consecrated life with friends, family, St. Martin’s Home Residents and staff along with the Little Sisters from nearby homes.
Sister Joseph said she wanted to be a nun from a very early age. She followed her heart and responded to God’s call right after graduation from high school. Part of her study and preparation was spent in Maubeuge, France and at the Mother House in La Tour. Sister Joseph’s first assignment as a Little Sister was in Baltimore; a cousin and aunt are also Little Sisters.
Family and friends came from New York, Pennsylvania, New Orleans, Washington, D.C. and California to honor Sister Joseph on her Golden Jubilee. She said there were many highlights of the day: the liturgy with His Eminence Theodore Cardinal E. McCarrick, archbishop emeritus of Washington, Catherine Florian singing Ave Maria, and Squire Frederick, an official town crier, proclaiming, “this day is to honor the most precious and sacred vocation – the call to the religious life – of a most devout servant of God’s aged poor.”
A memorable part of the Jubilee, according to Sister Joseph, was the evening prior to the liturgy. The Residents were invited to a special dinner/dance with DJ Dean. Even the most frail enjoyed the dancing and festivities! Sister Joseph said she received great pleasure in making the Residents so happy!
As the town crier bid farewell, he said, “I make final note of the spirit-filled words written by Sister Joseph’s big sister at the tender age of 7 … Dear God, I love you very much. When I get big, I want to be a nun. But if I can’t, please take my little sister. Love, Jeanne.”
Sister Joseph has served Christ and the aged for 50 years, faithfully and obediently. We are blessed she was called to be a Little Sister of the Poor!
FIFTY YEARS OF RELIGIOUS PROFESSION