Celebrated on Saturday, June 29, 2013
The celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Sr. Genevieve of St. Margaret Mary began on Friday, June 28th in the convent. Gathered together around the statue of the Sacred Heart, the Sisters sang “Gathered in the Love of Christ”. Mother Marguerite spoke of the love of the Sacred Heart and Sr. Genevieve shared stories of past Residents whom she hopes to meet in heaven one day. Moving to the auditorium, presentations of flowers and best wishes from representatives of our Residents, staff, AJJs, and volunteers were given to Sr. Genevieve. A beautiful slide show with photos of Sister through the years and bits of history of the many places she had been was enjoyed by all.
Sr. Genevieve’s family traveled from each Coast – East and West to join in this joyous occasion. Sister was born in California, the sixth of 13 children. Her older sister is also a Little Sister – Sr. Elisabeth Ann. Sr. Elisabeth Ann traveled from Queen of Peace Residence in New York.
On Jubilee Day, Saturday, June 29th the front of the chapel was filled with gorgeous bouquets of flowers and a large “50” made of carnations. The Mass was beautiful with Bishop George J.Rassas as the main celebrant, and Bishop Andrew J. McDonald, Fr. George J. Auger, C.S.V., Fr. Francis Kiley, OFM Conv., concelebrating. St. James Parish musicians and vocalists provided perfect accompaniment.
Sr. Genevieve, renewed her vows in our chapel filled to capacity with Little Sisters, family, Residents and friends. “… I, Sr. Genevieve of St. Margaret Mary, renew with all my heart my profession of the evangelical counsels, which I made for the first time on April 24, 1966, and promise God to observe faithfully the vows of Chastity, Poverty, Obedience and Hospitality, which I have made forever in the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor.”
After Mass, traditionally for Jubilees, the next stop is the second floor infirmary where the staff put on special entertainment. This was no exception. Sr. Genevieve was enthusiastically greeted by a football team and cheerleaders (CNAs & Nurses). They showed us some of their moves and cheers on the field and ended with a “shout-out” to Sister.
After a delicious dinner of salmon and chicken, we returned to the auditorium for more Jubilee entertainment. The walls of the auditorium were decorated with scenes from Redondo Beach, CA, Disneyland, Hollywood, Graumann’s Chinese Theatre, Richmond, VA, and the Mission of San Juan Capistrano. Two very special guests, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse were our tour guides showing us each of these important places in Sister’s life.
A Disney Marching Band (Residents, volunteers, and friends) had the audience tapping their feet and clapping their hands to the beat. We met Carole Lombard (Resident Beverly DiPasquale) at Graumann’s and ran into the Seven Dwarfs, Captain Hook, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty (Sr. Maria de la Luz’ nieces and nephews) along the way.
We thank God for the graces of Sr. Genevieve’s Jubilee, for Sr. Genevieve’s “yes” and God’s faithfulness to her, which enabled us to celebrate this happy occasion. Happy Golden Jubilee Sr. Genevieve!
Sr. Genevieve of St. Margaret Mary’s Golden Jubilee