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For the past
nine years, the Little Sisters of the Poor
have warmly opened their home to the members
of the Order of Malta and our malade guests
for Lourdes Day. The day began in the misty
fog as our malade guests began arriving as
early as 8am, eager for loving, spiritual
encounters they have come to expect with
the Order of Malta. Among our guests were
eighty residents of St. Anne’s Home,
a bus load from Laguna Honda Home in San Francisco, several residents from
Mercy Care in Oakland, over a dozen guests
from the Holy Name Parish Nurse Program,
almost 20 malades from past Lourdes Pilgrimages
and many malades who could not travel with
us to Lourdes.
The Western
Association was fortunate to
have 12 energetic Auxiliary members
provide early refreshments to our guests and bring their youthful exuberance
and kind attention to the malades throughout out the day. Team Captains, Jeff
Dito KM, Julie Munro DM, Bill Regan KM, Bill Terheyden KM, Tony Sanchez-Corea
III KM, and Kevin White KM ensured that everyone was welcomed and gently cared
for throughout the day.
Dressed
in work
uniforms,
85 Knights,
Dames and
Volunteers
escorted
our guests
in the Rosary Procession to the Grotto and accompanied them at Mass and the
Anointing of the Sick. Raising flags and team banners high, everyone processed
around the building and up the hill to the Grotto at the rear of St. Anne’s Home.
So closely does this Grotto resemble Lourdes that when you hear the familiar
hymns sung with such devotion, you feel transported to France. It is this beautiful
environment that helps us replicate our experiences in Lourdes and draws us and
our dear malades ever closer to Our Lady’s loving presence.
The Rosary
was
lovingly
recited
by
Mary
McInerney,DM,
Mass
was
celebrated
by
Monsignor
Steven
Otellini
and
other
Chaplains
of
the
Order,
and
several
other
priests. Afterward, everyone enjoyed reunions and good cheer at lunch time
over delicious Draeger’s box lunches!
The
participation
in Lourdes
Day helps
us stay connected to our confrere worldwide
through
our committed
service to our Lord’s the sick and the poor.
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