Au Revoir Ma Mere
It is always bittersweet for us to say goodbye, but we wanted to do it as heartfelt as we could, within the restrictions of COVID. Mother Provincial Maria Christine has been Superior of the Chicago Province since 2008. While she has spent a good portion of her time traveling from Home to Home visiting hundreds of Residents, Little Sisters, staff, volunteers and friends, each one of us felt like her closest family when we were with her.
On Monday, March 8, our home parish St. Theresa’s graciously hosted a Mass of Thanksgiving in honor of Mother Maria Christine and Mother Margaret Charles (who will also be leaving us). Fr. Tim Fairman was the main celebrant with Fr. Damian Graziano (our Chaplain), Fr. Tom Rzepiela (our Resident Priest) and our good friend Fr. William De Salvo (St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Hinsdale) con-celebrating. A COVID limited – size crowd came to pray and offer their well-wishes to our dear Mothers.
We continued to show our love and support on Tuesday, March 9, as the St. Joseph Home Family of Residents and staff, performed in a variety show dedicated to Mother Provincial. The lineup included a Resident drum performance (using exercise balls), a healing dance routine, a one-woman ‘Day in the Life of a Receptionist’ act, a Dr. Seuss adaptation, a winter snow music and dance performance and rousing rendition of the ‘Jerusalem Dance’.
After the show, Mother was presented with flowers and a card with notes from Residents and staff.
Both her and Mother Margaret have worked humbly and quietly to bring the love of Jesus to so many elderly and then accompany them into the arms of our Lord. This past year with COVID has been devastating, but with their leadership, faith, perseverance, and the Grace of God, we have made it through.
In the coming weeks, Mother Maria Christine will install our new Provincial, Mother Julie, and then head to Indianapolis to become Superior at St. Augustine Home.
Au Revoir Ma Mere