LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR

BY GARY KOLARCIK Our Home was abuzz with visitors who came

to celebrate Father Martin K. Mannion’s 50th anniversary as a priest of the archdiocese of Saint Louis at a Mass in our chapel on February 7. Nine priests concelebrated with him and Shepherd’s Voice provided the music for the liturgy. Many Residents and staff joined his family, classmates and friends for the occasion. Afterwards, a reception was held in his honor in our main dining room, where thirty Domino’s pizzas (Father’s request) and refreshments were served.

With true Saint Louis roots, Father grew up in an Irish home in north Saint Louis in Holy Rosary parish. His father was a bricklayer by trade, his mother a homemaker, and he is one of eight boys. He first met the Little Sisters of the Poor as a youngster when he would pass by our Home as he was delivering

prescriptions on his bicycle for Rinder’s Drug Store.

In typical Irish fashion, Father’s vocation began at the encouragement of his father who recommended him to their pastor and thought Martin would make a good priest. He attended high school at the Prep Seminary in Shrewsbury, and, early on, was seen by his peers and spiritual directors as a leader among his classmates. At Prep, he was a

good athlete, involved in many sports and even a soccer tournament. As was the norm in those days, Father earned his BA degree at Cardinal Glennon College, and did his theology studies at Kenrick. He also holds a Masters degree in counseling from Saint Louis University.

Ordained in 1966, Father’s early years in the priesthood were immediately after the Second Vatican Council at the old Saint Pat’s parish in the Cochran Apartments. Father’s many years of ministry have included parish ministry, hospital chaplaincies, team ministry, weekend retreats with Teens Encounter Christ (TEC), the handicapped (HEC) at Our Lady of the Snows, and prisoners (REC, who were always referred to as ‘residents’) in Jefferson City. He has also ministered to Hispanic and Native American communities, and over the years, was also active in the growing charismatic movement in Saint Louis.

Resident Priest Celebrates 50th AnniversaryYou are a priest forever

Father Mannion’s ordination photo from the 1966 edition of the Saint Louis Review.

SAVE THE DATESummer Raffle Now until August 30 Feast of Saint Louis August 25

Feast of Saint Jeanne Jugan August 30

11th Annual Trivia Night/Silent Auction November 4

Visit us at www.littlesistersofthepoorstlouis.orgLITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR

Serving the elderly poor in St. Louis since 1869.

ST. LOUIS RESIDENCE

Summer 2016

ST. LOUIS RESIDENCE 3225 N. Florissant Ave. St. Louis, MO 63107

314-421-6022www.littlesistersofthepoorstlouis.org

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Father wearing his Our Lady of Guadalupe chasuble at his anniversary Mass.

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR

BY SANDRA LAGUERTA

This year we celebrated National Volunteer Week from April 10–16, and Saint Louis Residence is fortu-nate to have many dedicated volun-teers, serving our Home and its Resi-dents with the same care seen in the Little Sisters and staff.

Our volunteers are a diverse group, coming from all over the Saint Louis Metropolitan area and from all walks of life. We have high school and col-lege students, retirees, professionals, and families coming regularly to ful-fill our needs around the Home. With over 100 Residents and many differ-ent volunteer areas, it is easy to find a specific need that matches with a volunteer’s skills and interests. Vol-unteers can be found serving in the dining rooms, playing games or vis-iting with Residents, folding laundry,

hosting movie watches, and helping with clerical tasks. Whether these vol-unteers come twice a month or once a week, every little bit helps.

We’re also grateful to have a num-ber of service groups who come and visit our Home. Since January, we have had over twenty groups come to do service work. These groups are also as diverse as our individual vol-unteers: church youth groups, adult groups serving through their work-place’s day of service, university stu-dents from different areas of study, and elementary, middle, and high schools. These groups can be seen serving ice cream to the Residents, hosting activi-ties such as bingo or carnival games, or weeding our gardens. We thank all volunteers and visitors who come and make our Residents happy, and hope they enjoy our Home as much as we enjoy having them.

Volunteers Make it Happen

Local Community Supports Little Sisters

All age groups come to serve our Residents

Value of religious freedom is proclaimed

Students from The St. Austin School stand with Sister Paul Mary and the donations they brought to our Home.

In anticipation of a pending Supreme Court deliberation on the issue of religious freedom, the scene was set in our main dining room as Little Sisters, men and women religious of a number of communities, Residents, staff and various archdiocesan personnel gathered with the local media and three speakers for our press conference on the HHS mandate. Women Speak For Themselves, a national group supportive of the Little Sisters’ case for religious freedom, volunteered at our Home and also attended on Wednesday, March 23. The gathering was hosted by the archdiocese and moderated by Mrs. Kathleen Pesha, Executive Director of their Communications Office.

Auxiliary Bishop Edward Rice (now Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, MO) outlined the long history and tradition of fighting for religious freedom that the Catholic community has endured in our nation. Sister Marysia Weber, R.S.M, director of the Office of Consecrated Life for the archdiocese, spoke in support of the Little Sisters and their right as a religious congregation to fulfill their mission to the elderly without government intervention. Mother Gonzague spoke for the Home and reminded us that all the Sisters really want is to be able to live out their vocation in simplicity and humility.

The occasion was both solemn in its intent, and celebratory in its communal support of the Little Sisters’ right to religious freedom in carrying out their service to the elderly. Since our press conference, the Supreme Court has mandated the government to find alternative solutions that would fulfill the law while preserving the religious freedom of the Little Sisters and others affected by this issue. The court also forbade the government to levy any monetary penalties against the plaintiffs during this time. This is a positive step forward in dealing with this issue.

We are extremely grateful for all the well wishes, support and prayers we have received from our friends and benefactors during this past year. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as the courts seek a final resolution to this issue.

Left: Bishop Edward Rice addresses the issue of religious freedom with Sisters, Residents and various supporters.

Loyola AcademyCardinal Ritter High SchoolHoly Infant ParishOur Lady of Lourdes SchoolSt. Joseph’s School (Cottleville)The Resource Group of Ascension HealthIgnite! Youth ChoirSt. Alban Roe Family Formation GroupDelta Gamma of SLUDuchesne High School

Saint Louis University High SchoolKansas State University Catholic Center Saint Catherine LaboureUniversity of KansasSt. Peter’s (Kirkwood)The St. Austin SchoolSt. John Bosco PSRCor Jesu AcademyUniversity of Northern ColoradoOpus DeiSt. Mary’s Youth Group (Alton, IL)Rosati-Kain High SchoolSaint Louis University

Special Thanks to the groups who recently provided volunteers to our Home:

Our Home has never been as busy in the winter and spring months as we’ve been this year. Though our Rams moved to L.A. in January, our own Resident Father Martin Mannion celebrated his 50th jubilee year as a priest of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis in early February (see cover story). With an earlier than usual Easter season came an early Mardi Gras party, which all enjoyed

immensely. A Valentine’s Day party and a social to honor staff retirees rounded out the February festivities.

March brought us the annual Easter egg hunt at the Home, St. Patrick’s Day, our beloved St. Joseph feast day, and a special HHS Mandate press conference (see article herein).

In April we focused on our two major fundraising events: our 26th annual dinner at Kemoll’s Restaurant, and our annual $15,000 Grand Raffle. Thanks to Advisory Board members Jim Alexander, John Hanneke, Mike Walsh and many others, we were able to solicit sponsorships of our dinner this year which provided for all of our usual expenses. With a crowd of 236 attendees and a successful plea for pledges from Sister Paul Mary, our administrator, we netted more than $80,000 for the dinner and another $61,000 from our Grand Raffle. Together this is the most successful fundraising evening we’ve ever had, and we had a lot of fun doing it too!

This year’s Grand Raffle winners were: 1st place – Len Dino - $10,000; 2nd place – Fr. James Benz - $3,000; and 3rd place – Fr. Patrick Universal of Boston - $2,000. We are extremely grateful to all who participated in both events which enable us to continue our mission to the needy elderly.

The month of May also held many highlights: the annual renewal of promises by our Associates of Jeanne Jugan on May 1, our Cinco de Mayo and Kentucky Derby parties, our annual Mother’s Day Tea, musical performances by the Choir Boys and the Young Catholic Musicians, the May crowning, and Carnival games hosted by the staff of the Resource Group at Ascension Health. Of course, our Residents have also taken in some Cardinal games at Busch Stadium. The month was closed out with a pilgrimage by our Residents to the Passionist Nuns monastery and going through the “Holy Door” designated by the local church as part of the Year of Mercy commemoration.

EVENTS TO REMEMBER

ST. LOUIS RESIDENCE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Rosati-Kain student Isabella Cabonce and Resident Augie Arbuzow at another successful Carnival games event in our auditorium.

Residents Loretta Kunze and Jean Sullivan dressed as saints at this year’s Mardi Gras party.

In the early 70’s, Father Martin was involved in the Priestly Players For Vocations, and took part in theater presentations on such topics as ‘What you want to know about your priest, but were afraid to ask’, e.g. about first confessions, and priests in the classroom.

Stationed at Saint Liborius parish in the late 70’s, Father was a confessor for the Little Sisters. He also welcomed the Catholic Worker movement and provided space for them at the parish.

In 1987 Father spent a five-month sabbatical in Rome, taking renewal theology courses along with other clergy from nineteen countries.

Always pastorally-minded, Father also spent some years in the 1990’s working in parishes in Tennessee, in Gallup, NM serving the Navajos, and in a Mexican parish in Yuma, AZ.

When asked about his most memorable Mass, Father recalls his first Mass after priests began facing the congregation.

Father has been “retired” for about five years, and came to our Saint Louis Residence after running into one of the Little Sisters at Kenrick and inquiring about openings. Always anxious to be as active as possible, Father enjoys anything outdoors, and his favorite hobbies are

gardening and sports. He attends many of the activities and events at the Home, and can be seen walking around our neighborhood, bringing the Gospel message and literature to our neighbors, cleaning up trash around the Home, helping street people with meal coupons, and redeeming soda cans he has everyone in the Home saving for the poor. Father also works hard in our gardens, and says the early Mass at 7 a.m. for our Residents, Sisters and staff.

When asked what he enjoys the most about retirement, Father responds: “No phones, no doorbells. I had 45 years of that every hour of the day or night, 24/7, in my entire life.” His favorite flavor of ice cream is spumoni at Charlie Gitto’s Restaurant downtown, a place that he visits whenever possible. When asked for advice he would give to our readers, Father responded: “Pray for priestly and religious vocations.”

We are delighted and blessed to have Father Mannion as part of our Home. He brings laughter and spontaneity to the Residents who love him and enjoy his presence. Congratulations, Father, on your 50 years in ministry! We thank you for your service to the Church, and wish you many more years of happiness and good health. God bless you!

Resident Priest Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Needs for Our HomeOur greatest need at this time is for a new or used handicap bus for transporting our

Seniors, since ours is beyond repair. We also need donations toward our summer cooling bills, medical supplies and general operating expenses. We can always use donated items in good condition such as clothing, jewelry or household items for our rummage sales throughout the year. Items can be dropped off any time with the lobby receptionist or you may call us at 421-6022 to schedule a pickup time for larger items.

The following personal care, household and miscellaneous items are needed to enhance Resident care. Your help is greatly appreciated.

• Dishwasher soap• Body wash• Liquid laundry detergent • Boost drinks (dietary supplements)• Adult pull-up disposable briefs (L

and XL)• Paper towels, Kleenex • Mouthwash

• Lysol disinfectant wipes• Dryer sheets• Air freshener spray• Disposable razors• Fabric softener• Gift cards for shopping, restaurants,

or attending events• Table wine

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR

Upcoming Events

BY MOTHER GONZAGUE

This extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy has a special significance to us. We are so blessed to be Little Sisters of the Poor because in the words of our Holy Father Pope Francis, our mission enables us to “enter more deeply into the heart of the Gospel where the poor have a special experience of God’s mercy.” We are privileged to care for our Residents and witness the sacredness of every life. We strive to make our Saint Louis Residence a vibrant and happy place for them.

Recently we have been happy to welcome several new Residents to the Home. How quickly they become part of our family! Saint Jeanne Jugan, the first Little Sister, left us the true legacy of caring for the elderly. Our employees, Associates and volunteers help this happen each day. We could never manage without them.

God has truly blessed us with benefactors like you. If we did not have your steadfast support and prayers, we would not be able to care for our dear Residents with the respect and dignity they deserve.

We assure you once again of our grateful prayers. God will certainly bless you, for as Saint Jeanne Jugan told us and the Bible confirms: “It is, in truth, Jesus himself whom you care for in the poor.”

Mother Gonzague, l.s.p.

Summer Raffle - Now through August 30 drawing

Drawing will be held at the Home on August 30, the feast of foundress Saint Jeanne Jugan. You do not have to be present to win. See tickets and details enclosed in this mailing.

Feast of Saint Louis - August 25

Join us for the special liturgy honoring the patron saint of our city and our Home. Begins at 10:30 a.m. in our chapel.

Feast of Saint Jeanne Jugan - August 30

All are welcome to attend the liturgical celebration at 10:30 a.m. in our chapel to honor the foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor, Saint Jeanne Jugan.

11th Annual Trivia Night/Silent Auction - November 4

The Little Sisters will host their 11th Annual Trivia Night/Silent Auction on Friday, November 4 at Our Lady of the Pillar’s Parish Center. Look for details in our Fall newsletter and online registration on our website.

Visit us at www.littlesistersofthepoorstlouis.orgA Simple Note from Mother

Mother with Resident Steve Gray.

Ways You Can Help UsPlease visit our Home’s website

(www.littlesistersofthepoorstlouis.org) where you can read blogs on the latest happenings at Saint Louis Residence, contact us by email, make a memorial or honorary donation, or register for events. With no funding from Catholic Charities or United Way, we must generate more than 40% of our income each year from church collections, mailings, grants, planned gifts, and special events. By their charters and tradition, the Little Sisters do not have endowments, but rely on Divine Providence to provide for our needs through the generosity of our benefactors.

Remember that there are various ways you can support our work just by doing your everyday activities. Searching the web at the Good Search site helps support us at no cost. Purchases made through the Amazon Smile site provide a small donation to our ministry and also cost nothing to donors. This is also true for using an eScrip Community Card when shopping at Schnuck’s. There is even an option on

Ebay for you to donate a percentage of your sale to our Home.

In addition, you can maximize your donations through matching gifts from your employer. Check with your Human Resources Department for information. Often even retirees or spouses can take advantage of this option.

Planned giving is another powerful opportunity to ensure that your most sacred values and commitments are part of your legacy. Your planned gift, which may be created through your will, trust, retirement plan or insurance policy, represents your hope for the future of our mission to serve the elderly, your faith in generations to come, and your love of Christ and His Church.

Our friends and donors are precious to us. Therefore, we never sell or share donor information with anyone else. The Sisters and Residents thank you and greatly appreciate the sacrifices our benefactors make to help support our mission.