by Sister Mary William
On December 12th, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sr. Marguerite de Marie Auxiliatrice celebrated her 60th Jubilee as a Little Sister of the Poor. Archabbot Lambert Reilly, OSB, along with Bishop Andrew McDonald and Fr. Francis Kiley celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving. Sr. Marguerite’s sister Helen and brother-in-law Ken traveled from St. Louis to join in the celebration. Sister was born in St. Louis, and entered the Little Sisters in 1949 making her religious profession in 1951.
Sister Marguerite was Provincial Superior from 1975 to 1988 in the Chicago Province and served as Health Care Administrator for 37 years in various Homes in the 3 Little Sister Provinces of the United States.
Sr Marguerite has tirelessly tried to “keep the elderly happy,” as Saint Jeanne Jugan desired. Since the beginning of her vocation, she has worked to provide more comfort and privacy for elderly in her care, consulting with architects and contractors to make this possible in rebuilding or remodeling the Homes.
Before lunch, our second floor staff gathered together to sing to Sister a beautiful rendition of The Jubilee Song. A luncheon with family, friends and staff was held after Mass. The day concluded with a beautifully performed portrayal of Juan Diego’s encounter with Our Lady of Guadalupe by our Residents, staff and volunteers.
Congratulations Sr. Marguerite de Marie Auxiliatrice