By Associate Mary Packard
“Oh when the Saints go marching in…I want to be in that number when the Saints go marching in!”
The soft sound of the Sisters of Grace and the rich deep voice of Louis Armstrong alternatively initiated a party!
Under the guidance of Sister Rose Federici and Stella Maris’s nursing staff, several Sisters and Associates prepared the Sister residents of 2 South for a New Orleans-style parade!
A line of Sisters in wheelchairs, with walkers, and independent walkers began moving and weaving to the jazz that was announcing: “Laissez les bon temps rouler!”
Associates and Sisters joined in the swaying, singing, and clapping on the journey to the Pangborn Community Room.
The Community Room was decorated with a sweets table including King Cake, homemade blueberry muffins, strawberries, and fasnachts or “fasting night” treats (Dunkin Donut style!).
There were boas and beads, introductions of new acquaintances and greetings of treasured old friends, an ambiance of prayer, poetry, and party, stories and spirituality--and holding on to hope for the future and gratitude for all in this moment.
During this party, students re-connected with teachers, teachers with administrators, and one memory of love after another!
We shared sweet snacks and conversation and “leaned into the curve of living,” as Sister Maura Eichner wrote.
Associate Helene Murtha facilitated more than 40 Sisters in collaborative games.
Sisters huddled to answer questions relative to today’s activity. We all learned about the history of Mardi Gras—but most of all we laughed, shared our answers, right or not so right, and moved on!
Sisters, Associates, and Pre-Associates were drawn together into contemplative silence with a poetry reading by Sister Kathleen Feeley. Kathleen stood strong and shared What My Teachers Taught Me I Try to Teach My Students by Sister Maura Eichner.
Kathleen’s dramatic reading evoked our understanding of our “fires center.” Such a beautiful acknowledgement of the blending of rigorous intellectual pursuit and compassionate, Spirit-led presence.
As the day came to a close, Associates and Sisters appreciated their time with one another.
New friends were made, a desire for “more” was established, and an appreciation for Oneness even in the midst of exhaustion was clear.
Associate Kate Dannals led the group in a closing prayer, to which we all said, “Amen, Amen, Amen!”
We let the good times roll. Together, we entered the holy season of Lent.
