October 2, 2009
Area pilgrims departing for canonization of Blessed Jeanne Jugan
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
Among the pilgrims to Rome for the canonization of Blessed Jeanne Jugan will be Sister Jeannette and two apartment residents from the Little Sisters in Evansville, Father Ted Temple and four companions, two University of Evansville students, and Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger.
Why was Sister Jeannette, youngest of the 11 Little Sisters in Evansville, chosen to represent the community? “We drew lots,” said Sister Rose Marie Mayock, superior. “We’re all very happy for her.”
One sister from each of the homes operated by the Little Sisters will be in Rome for the big event.
“I think it is long overdue,” said Sister Rose Marie. Blessed Jeanne Jugan never received credit or acclaim during her lifetime, she pointed out, even though by the time of her death there were about 2,400 Little Sisters serving in 177 homes around the world.
“She had a wonderful trust in God’s providence,” Sister Rose Marie said.
Traveling with Sister Jeannette will be Diane McClure and Ben Nellis, two apartment residents at Little Sisters. They plan to leave Evansville on Oct. 7, travel to Rome for the canonization and related events, and return after one week.
Father Tempel and his group planned to arrive in Rome Oct. 1, then spend eight days traveling around Italy, using a rail pass. They will arrive in Rome in time for the canonization, Oct. 11.
Among the travelers with Father Tem-pel are Joyce Harms, Antimina Lingo, Debbie Tingley, a nurse at the Little Sis-ters home in Evansville, and Debbie’s sister, Sherri Stafford.
Two students from the University of Evansville, Amy Hagedorn and Allyson Hoch, are making their own arrangements to attend the canonization.
Bishop Gettelfinger leaves Evansville Oct. 5 and plans to return shortly after the canonization.
The ceremony will be carried live on EWTN, with the Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Square, 3 a.m. Evansville time. A recording of the event will be available for the residents at Little Sisters to see at 9:30 that morning, and possibly again in the afternoon.
At Little Sisters, a prayer vigil will be held on the evening of Oct. 10, the night before the canonization. The vigil, at 7 p.m., will use the same form at all facilities of the Little Sisters in the world on the eve of the canonization.
Another local celebration will be held on November 21 at the Little Sisters, with Bishop Gettelfinger presiding. Both the vigil and the local celebration are open to the general public.