The Anointing of the Altar
The Little Sisters of the Poor
WO R D S Eric Martin
S
aturday 31 August marked an
Mr Giovanni Italiano, Councillors of the
and patience are giving out. When you
historic event in the mission of
City of Stirling.
feel lonely and helpless. Say to him,
the Little Sisters of the Poor.
“I feel very privileged to be invited to
you know well what is happening my
More than 300 guests filled the
be a part of this beautiful celebration
dear Jesus, I have only you, come to
chapel to capacity to witness the
this morning, the consecration and
my aid. And then go on your way and
dedication and consecration of the
dedication of this chapel and of the
don’t worry about how you are going
newly built chapel and altar, marking
altar and also, in that sense, the blessing
to manage, it is enough to have told
the completion of the rebuilding
and opening of the whole facility,”
our good Lord – he has an excellent
project and the official opening of the
Archbishop Costelloe said.
memory.”
Glendalough aged-care facility.
“I really want to invite you to enter into
The Little Sisters’ Mother Provincial
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB
the beauty of this very rich and very
was present for the ceremony and
presided the liturgy, which included
symbolic celebration that we are about
delivered heart-felt words of gratitude,
the Rite of Dedication, and was joined
to share together – it will help each one
both to everyone who attended and
by Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton,
of us to understand who we are as the
to those who participated in the
Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey,
Church, as people of God and what lies
construction of the new facilities.
and Geraldton Emeritus Bishop Justin
at the very heart of who we are.”
She then read a message from Mother
Bianchini.
Central to the homily were the
General in France, who visited
Also in attendance were local
words of the Little Sisters’ foundress,
Glendalough in 2017 and was present
government figures Sean Le’Strange,
Saint Jeanne Jugan, quoted by the
at the laying of the foundation stone,
Member for Churchlands, Mr David
Archbishop in reference to the caring
which she fondly remembers.
Michael, Member for Balcatta,
heart and charism of the order:
In her message, Mother General
Councillor Mark Irwin, the Mayor of the
“Jesus is waiting for you in the chapel,
acknowledged all present, with deep
City of Stirling, Mr Adam Spagnolo and
go and find him when your strength
gratitude and sincerity:
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THE RECORD MAGAZINE