Willa’s daughter, Sandy Johnson (l), Willa (center), Bishop Rassas, and son-in-law Leon Johnson (2nd row).
This year, we had the added joy during our Easter Vigil Mass, of having one of our Residents receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Joining tens of thousands other catechumens from around the United States on Holy Saturday, Willa Turner completed her full initiation into the Catholic Church.
Willa’s daughter, Sandy Johnson (an Association Jeanne Jugan member) describes Willa’s journey:
“After many months of prayers and intercessions by Saint Jeanne Jugan, my mother, Willa Turner, received the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil Mass on April 19. This was truly a blessing for my family and me. We have always prayed that she could experience the fullness of the sacraments entrusted to the Catholic Church. For the second year, we were blessed to have our Auxiliary Bishop, His Excellency Bishop George Rassas, preside over our Easter Vigil Mass. His homily explaining Holy Saturday and the Easter Resurrection were absolutely beautiful. My mother’s journey home to the Catholic Church was always predicated on prayer and obedience to God. She was drawn to the Catholic Church by the presence of our Lord in the Eucharist and the mission of The Little Sisters, who were so inspirational in her conversion. My sincere gratitude to everyone at St. Joseph’s who helped her journey home!”
We were delighted and blessed to celebrate with Willa as we renewed our Baptismal vows and remembered when we received the Gifts of the Holy Spirit on our Confirmation day.
Thank you, Willa, for making this very holy night even more special.
Welcome Home, Willa, Alleluia!