When the Saints Go Marching In

Written by Cindy DeLuca, Activity Director
February 21, 2012

Every year St. Joseph’s Home is transformed into New Orleans as we celebrate Mardi Gras with music, decorations, beads, masks, and a star-studded Residential Royal Court. Our Residents know to “bead” there for a wonderful afternoon. 2012 was no exception. Residents entered the auditorium listening to New Orleans Jazz, placed their beads carefully over their heads, and wondered who would be part of the Royal Court, and who will be the King and Queen of Mardi Gras this year. The Royal Court made their entrance in grandeur and splendor. As each member of the court approached the auditorium, a description was read. As the Royal Court made their way down the center aisle with a decorated walker, they waved to their subjects. As the music played When the Saints Go Marching In, the subjects shook maracas and hand clappers to greet their royalty.

Each Court member’s talents and personality were individually highlighted and reflected in the titles bestowed upon them. Our distinguished Mardi Gras Court included:

• JoAnn, Mother of the Queen, Princess and Keeper of the Beautiful Flowers; known for her prayerful thoughtfulness.
• Beverly, Countess of Georgia and Keeper of the Peaches; known for defending the poor and the hungry.
• Verlie, Duchess of Ireland and Keeper of the Rainbow; known for defeating everyone in the Royal Court at Wii Bowling.
• Anita, Visiting Queen Fish of the Deep Blue Sea and Keeper of the Royal Cats and Dogs; known for entertaining the Royal Pets with playing Rock n’Roll on the harmonica.
• Ed, visiting King Fish of the Deep Blue Sea and Keeper of the Golden Rummikube Game; known for making smiles and laughs.
• Penny, Baroness of South Africa and Keeper of the Arts and Crafts; known for painting on walls, and using needles for making baby items.  Don’t worry, we confiscated the needles!
• Princess Virginia, only daughter of the King and Queen of Ireland, and Keeper of the Official Writings; known for her beauty and youthful spirit.
• Bishop McDonald, Bishop of Ireland, and Keeper of the Shamrocks; known for his holiness and teaching the Royal Court about the Kingdom of God.
• Queen Paula, the beautiful and gracious Queen of Ireland, and the reigning Queen of Mardi Gras 2012; known for her humility and helping her subjects in their daily chores. Long live the Queen!  Hail, Hail, Long live the Queen!
• King Noel, the gentle-hearted King of Ireland and reigning King of Mardi Gras 2012; known for bringing literacy to his country. Long live the King!  Hail, Hail, Long live the King!

Once the Royal Court was acknowledged, it was time for some fun. Residents were able to roll a die and see if their number matched the roll of member of the Royal Court or a Little Sister of the Poor. The stakes went higher and higher as the Little Sisters rolls were becoming worth a lot of bingo chips! In the end Jean O. won by collecting 55 bingo chips all together.

The afternoon was completed as Residents were treated to a surprise gift, root beer floats and the King’s Bread.