Happy 100th Birthday Sr. Vincent
Sr. Vincent de la Providence was born in Philadelphia, one of seven children of Catherine and Patrick O’Neill. She had always looked up to her aunts, Sr. Emilie who was a Little Sister of the Poor and Sr Beatrice who was an Ursuline Sister. As the Lord called her Sr. Vincent yearned to follow in their footsteps.
Sister entered the Little Sisters in 1944. Throughout the years, she had various assignments, serving most in the Homes of the Province of Chicago, which includes 47 years of service between the Homes of Chicago and Palatine. In her apostolate to the elderly Residents, she generously helped them over the years in the Dining rooms, the Laundry and Linen rooms for the care and upkeep of the Residents’ clothing, and as sacristan in the chapel, where many would turn to her for prayers and would bring Mass intentions for their special needs.
Sister has a wonderful sense of humor and would bring joy to everyone she encountered by telling jokes. Her delivery was perfect! You could always tell when Sister was coming down the hall by the trail of laughter that followed her.
Our good friend, Fr. Matt Jamesson celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving in honor of St. Vincent’s 100 years. A party afterwards featured a rousing rendition of ‘happy birthday’ accompanied by bag pipes. The bagpiper went on to entertain us with many of our favorite Irish tunes. In a nod to her Philly roots a ‘Mummers Parade’ consisting of volunteers and staff circled the auditorium. Not to be left out, Sister joined in the fun.
Sr. Vincent is loved and admired by all those who know her. For 78 dedicated years, Sr. Vincent de la Providence has given her life to God in the service of his elderly sons and daughters. We can imagine Him telling her “Well done my good and faithful servant, your 100 years have been well spent.”
Sr. Vincent’s 100th Birthday