A Valentine's Visit to St. Joseph Villa
Yesterday, our students went on a Frassati Friday Corporal Works of Mercy field trip to visit residents at St. Joseph Villa in Flourtown. One of the chaperones wrote a reflection on the day that paints a beautiful picture of our students and the Martin Saints community:
Our crew was poised and friendly as they visited the rooms of the residents, some of whom had dementia or were bedridden. I came upon two students chatting with a resident who will be one hundred on September 1st. She told us about her two children, five grandchildren, and four great grandchildren and all their travels. We asked her how she's going to celebrate her birthday. She said her daughter from Florida will fly up and they'll have cake. I asked her if she's going to go out on a motorcycle to mark the occasion. She suggested a comfortable sidecar.
Another group of students sang many beautiful songs and hymns for the residents in one of the lounges. It was magical and so lovely. It was a beautiful reminder that the power of the good is so great, and that these students’ love of music will carry them through many a trial. Some of the sisters present were mouthing every word of the Latin hymns, and one sister said, "I haven't heard that in so long..." One well dressed resident asked me about booking the students for a wedding.
A few juniors took a chummy adventure and ended up on the 7th floor with the sisters. They described the atmosphere as "pretty chill," and recounted how they visited with the sisters and had really tasty milkshakes.
Back at school Mr. Dickerson asked me to facilitate the highs/lows discussion. It was sweet to see how many of them said, "I didn’t have a low." The highs included the chill 7th floor sisters and the milkshakes, craft time with the residents, and singing. One student said she didn't have anything in particular to share but that it was a GOOD day.
It was a lovely day and a privilege to be a part of it. We are building unity in our community, through these spirited excursions and by staying the course. It was beautiful to witness our students sharing their gifts and enjoying the company of the residents and sisters, to see the Holy Spirit at work. I pray that He continues to grace our school. Come Holy Spirit. Everything we have is yours.
