Celebration of the Heart

A Celebration of the Heart for the Young and ‘Young at Heart’

Pope Francis presented the Visitation as a significant intergenerational encounter in his messages for the celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly held in July and World Youth Day held in August. Preparation for these special days included intergenerational sharing that took place within Holy Family Residence in the days preceding the actual celebrations. Sharing with our staff and Residents, we stressed the importance and the richness of learning about and valuing the lives of our Residents and our own family generations.

Our Home in St. Paul had the opportunity to host a group of young women on a “Nun Run” on July 12. A “Nun Run” is when participants travel to various convents or community houses, with religious from local orders, to spend time and share fellowship, conversation, and meals with women religious. This visit was spearheaded by Fr. Doug Liebsch, Vocations Director of the Diocese of St. Cloud, and Laura Koski, Confirmation Coordinator. In preparation for this stopover, the Residents, Sisters and young women received a packet of information prepared by Sr. Constance Carolyn, from the Pope’s messages for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly and World Youth Day.

After the group arrived, they were shown a short video of the Congregation which was followed by a brief interaction with the Little Sisters. Several Sisters shared their vocation stories at this time. The Little Sisters and young women then joined about twenty Residents for small group activities and discussions on some questions related to the Pope’s message. A lively dialogue ensued that was the result of careful preparation and reflection of the materials provided. The informal afternoon ended with a delicious treat of root beer floats and cookies enjoyed by all.

As he departed, Fr. Liebsch stated, “I was ‘blessed among women’! It was awesome to travel with each of these ladies and to be inspired by the consecrated women we encountered.”

Inspiration is something that is experienced daily with our Residents. Building on life experience, overcoming obstacles, and having profound faith in the power of prayer, our elderly are an example of those who embrace their age, their wisdom, and the hope of nourishing the newer generations. They are living life to the fullest in their own way.

Early Sunday, before breakfast on July 23, a personal letter from the Little Sisters was delivered to each Resident, explaining the message of our Holy Father’s words for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Pope Francis reminds us, “The Church as well as society needs elders, for they entrust to the present the past that is needed to build the future.” The letter included our gratitude that they have chosen to be a Resident in our Home. We expressed our appreciation to the Residents for who they are and the gifts they have shared with society as well as the legacy they are to so many loved ones.

We were blessed to be able to have Mother Provincial Julie and Sr. Therese Marie visiting with us which added to our joy in the week of festivities in observance of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Our Sunday Eucharistic celebration was enhanced by beautiful organ music played by Sr. Therese. Father Francis Fried led us in a meditation on the “wheat and the weeds” that grow together in our daily lives, and in the environment in which we live. With the enthusiasm of the youth and the wisdom of the elderly, and at the hand of the wise Harvest Master, both wheat and weeds can grow together into a bountiful harvest.

Mother Provincial visited the Residents in their rooms after Mass to offer a box of candy and a special gift. Shortly after that, all gathered for a sumptuous Italian feast in our dining room provided for our Residents by a neighborhood restaurant, Cossetta Alimentari. The joy of sharing this meal together was very apparent; the camaraderie, the updates on families and friends, along with the latest news of the Home, lasted long after the last piece of dessert (a lemon crunch pie) was served.

Sunday Benediction, rosary and Evening Prayer in our chapel together with the Residents, found us once again, united in our prayer of thanksgiving for the richness of the elderly in our lives. There were thoughts in many hearts of the joys of one’s own grandparents, who have left the mark of their love and care upon us.

One such person, who has definitely impacted the lives of many and left his mark through the loving care he provided at Holy Family Residence, was honored on the Monday of this week of celebration. The foyer of our Home is used for many events, and it is truly the place of family gatherings. This was never truer than on the afternoon of July 24, when Residents, Sisters and staff greeted our friend and devoted physician, Dr. Bradford Toso, to wish him a very happy retirement!

Over the past 40 years, he has served multiple generations of the elderly. Doctor Toso has served with a devoted spirit and competent care. He practiced his profession of geriatric medicine with a listening ear, open mind and a compassionate heart. Residents looked forward to his visits because he was always available, as well as understanding of their needs and questions. Dr. Toso never hesitated to give us his time in every way possible including with the regulation requirements and the documentation necessary for a nursing home.

There was a spirit of joy and gratitude among everyone in the foyer as we offered Doctor Toso our heartfelt retirement wishes. Mother Theresa Gertrude thanked him on behalf of the Residents, Sisters and staff, for the past 40 years of dedicated self-giving. One of the long-term nurses, Theresa, offered words of gratitude on behalf of the staff who have worked so closely with him. Doctor Toso then made his way around the room, expressing his deep appreciation of these years of serving everyone in our Home. We could all sense the happiness this gathering meant to him.

Plans for his long-awaited retirement include travel and visiting with family and friends. We wanted to give him a very meaningful “thank you” gift. Dr. Toso enjoyed opening his large, beautifully wrapped package to discover one tall suitcase with two smaller ones inside. He was ready to travel! A gag gift of a glass container in the shape of a golf club, filled with chocolate kisses, was an added attraction representing the affection of everyone.

The reception continued as piano music softly played in the background and ice cream was served. It was truly heartwarming to see each Resident, staff and Sister personally express gratitude for doctor’s decades of devoted service to our Home. Evident in the shared stories and memories of the past years, Dr. Toso has earned a special place in the lives and hearts of all those in our Home and he will be fondly remembered for his kindness and compassion.

The excitement of the week continued on Tuesday, July 25, when the auditorium was packed with an eager audience waiting for the magic show to begin. Invitations had been extended to Residents and staff to bring their families to join us for this special presentation. To our great delight, over 120 guests joined us for the show, including over thirty enthusiastic children!

Chuck Carlson is a great magician who truly captivated and amazed the audience of multi-generations. He was successful in what Career Explorers states as the goal of a magician, “… allowing people to escape from their everyday lives and experience moments of astonishment.” Our Residents enjoyed his presentation to the hilt; they watched closely as the magic tricks were mysteriously performed, but they were thrilled most of all when the children were called to the stage to take part in the fun and excitement of the moment. The children were in every part of the auditorium, and their energy was at a high level. They eagerly awaited their chance to be a part of the show! The young and ‘young at heart’ were united in the anticipation, demonstration, astonishment and the surprising results of Chuck’s skills.

The magic show was followed by treats from an ice cream truck parked in our front yard. The children anxiously anticipated their turn as the Residents were served first. The magic continued as no ice cream melted in the 93-degree weather! It was a fabulous day of fun that touched the hearts of the child in all of us!

The concluding activity of this week of celebrating the elderly in our lives took place on Wednesday, July 26, the Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus. A group of 15 Residents and Sisters spent time together baking, decorating and then delivering homemade cookies to a nearby nursing home. Many fond memories were shared of spending precious time with loved ones baking cookies in another era, as well as being delightfully tempted by the delectable aroma of fresh baked cookies! The recipients of the cookies were so happy to get them. It was a simple and fun activity of outreach to other elderly that brought joy in both the giving and in receiving.