“Open Up Your Heart (And Let the Sunshine In)”
Even though this is Mother Provincial Julie’s prime residence, she travels extensively to each of the 10 Homes she oversees in the Chicago Province. It is a treat for us when she is able spend time with us in person, especially if that time includes a celebration. Every year, each Sister celebrates her feast with her community. Mother Provincial, being a part of each community in the Province, chooses a different Home each year to celebrate her feast day. This year she chose to celebrate it with us!
Usually we celebrate the feast of saints on the day they died. However, July 12 is St. Julie Billiart birthday and she is Mother Julie’s namesake, so we decided to use the inspiration of St. Julie Billiart as our theme for the day.
Our Little Sisters from St. Mary’s Home in Chicago and St. Augustine Home in Indianapolis traveled to join us for the day. Fr. Paul Langevin, OFM Conv. celebrated Mass, along with our priests, Fr. Damian, Fr. Tom and Fr. Tivy.
After Mass, Mother greeted Residents and staff and presented the with a gift.
Later that afternoon, St. Julie Billiart (272 years young) and St. Jeanne Jugan stopped by to say hello. In honor of St. Julie Billiart, who used the image of a sunflower always turning to the sun as a metaphor for how our lives should focus on the goodness of God, our Resident choir serenaded us with ‘Like a Sunflower’.
Next, in a nod to Mother Julie’s native Kentucky, our staff kicked up their heels and danced to ‘Kentucky in the Morning’. Our Receptionist Lori, shared the spiritual and comical moments that she encounters in a day.
Sporting Sunflower headdresses, our choir came back to lead us in “Open Up Your Heart (And Let the Sunshine In).”
Thoroughly entertained and always ready for a sweet treat, cake, ice cream and root beer floats were a perfect end to a perfect day.
Happy Feast Day, Mother Julie. May God continue to bless you and all of the Little Sisters of the Poor.
Happy Feast Day, Mother Julie!