“God”incidence

“God wants me for himself, he is keeping me for a work which is not yet founded.”

                                                                                                                                   St. Jeanne Jugan

Many of us have experienced coincidences or had chance meetings that enriched us and possibly change the direction of our life. In 2006 Matt Jamesson met Andrea Sims while attending a retreat at Benedictine College. Like most young people, Matt and Andrea were discerning God’s will for their lives.

Andrea spoke a lot to Matt about religious life. She also introduced him to the Little Sisters of the Poor at St. Joseph’s Home, where she was working. Matt got a job working here as a CNA. Mother Maureen (the Mother Superior at that time), spoke to him a lot about vocations in the Archdiocese of Chicago, including her friendship with Msgr. Dennis Lyle, the rector at that time of St. Mary’s of the Lake Seminary.

In 2009 Matt entered St. Mary’s of the Lake and was ordained a Priest this past May. As luck (or God’s Plan) would have it, he was assigned to St. Theresa Parish in Palatine.  We are so blessed that we now have the opportunity to continue to grow in God’s love with him. Sr. Andrea Sims professed her first vows as a Little Sister of the Poor in July, 2012 and is currently in Angers, France continuing her studies.

In our Catholic tradition, the first blessing of a newly ordained priest (for the first year after ordination) holds special indulgences.  Wanting to share the tender mercy of God with us, Fr. Matt came back to celebrate Mass and individually bless the Residents, Little Sisters, staff, volunteers and all who were in attendance.

It is said that the seeds of religious vocations are planted and nurtured within the family. We are blessed that God chose us, the family of Jeanne Jugan, to help in nurturing these vocations.