Members of the Boston Area held their First Friday gathering for March with the Little Sisters of the Poor. Knights, Dames, and friends gathered together with the residents and Little Sisters, joining them for their 11AM liturgy and serving lunch. With all of the continuing transition issues, the residents welcome the Order of Malta group with open arms and delight in our continued heartfelt visits.

On behalf of the Jeanne Jugan residents, Mother Maureen, all the Little Sisters, they express deep gratitude for the love, happiness, and friendship from the members of the extended Order of Malta family, both in person during this visit, and through prayers in the days and weeks ahead!

Fr. Joe Gaudette presided at Mass in the chapel, and all were warmly welcomed. Ray Bastarache served again as the lector and proclaimed the first reading, the responsorial psalm, and the prayers of the faithful. In his energetic homily, Fr. Joe spoke about the first reading, and how Ezekiel reminds us of God’s readiness to shower us with forgiveness, but also that we are responsible for our actions. From the Gospel, he emphasized that when we sincerely repent and turn to God, we may live in the light of God’s love.

For the liturgy, the chapel had just over 45 in attendance with many residents and friends, and 6 of the Little Sisters. Another group of nine residents participated in the liturgy, mostly in wheelchairs, on the balcony from the floor above. At the request of residents, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament continues on Fridays right after Mass until Evening Prayer.

Knights and Dames were happy to serve lunch to the residents. Friday’s menu included tomato soup with crackers, tossed salad with dinner rolls, Pier 17 fish, baked potatoes, green beans and carrots, along with jello and cake for dessert. For the residents, the scheduled afternoon activities included light exercising, spinning old records, poetry, bingo, and remembering old Irish tunes!

The Knights, Dames, and friends in attendance at March’s gathering included the following: Jack Granese, KM, Harvey Rowe, KM, Ray Bastarache, KM, Mackie Bastarache, guest, Newk Stillwell, KM, Joe Kremer, guest, Nancy Gibson, DM, and Craig Gibson, KM.

Let’s remember to keep all the residents at the Little Sisters in our prayers, especially those in need of forgiveness and those who need to forgive others, may the Lord strengthen them in the work of love to which they are called….Lord hear our prayer!