October 9, 2009
Excitement builds for Blessed Jeanne Jugan canonization
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
“I’ve always wanted to go to Rome,” said Amy Hagedorn, but going to Rome for a canonization is “a once in a lifetime experience.”
Hagedorn is a native of Tell City, Ind., where family and friends “are pretty excited about me going” to the canonization of Blessed Jeanne Jugan.
Hagedorn now lives in Evansville, where she graduated from the University of Evansville last May with a registered nursing degree. She spent four months of her college studies at the UE Harlaxton campus in England — the only other time she traveled outside the United States.
She said she is looking forward to her travels in Rome. In addition to the canonization she is eager to see the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and other holy places in Rome, along with other architectural and historic sites.
Since last December she has worked as a certified nursing assistant at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Evansville, but her career is now moving forward. When she returns from Rome, she will start her new job as an RN at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville.
Allyson Hoch, a junior in art and associated studies at UE, is Hagedorn’s traveling companion. Hoch and Hagedorn became friends at the Newman House at UE.
“I am very excited,” she said. “I’ve never been to Italy before.”
The trip to the canonization — and the timing of it — worked out really well for her. It is “an opportunity to go to Italy with a friend — and it is over fall break.”
Hoch is the more seasoned traveler of the two. She has been to Paris and to Switzerland during her high school years, and she went to World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia.
Hoch began to learn about Blessed Jeanne Jugan as a volunteer at the Little Sisters. Last year, she was among the young people who organized a “Prom” for the residents there.
During her volunteer work at the home, she has “gotten to know the Little Sisters and about their outreach to the poor and the aged.”
Hoch’s and Hagedorn’s travels were arranged with the help of a tour company used by many of the travelers for the canonization.
“All my friends are really excited and want me to pack them in my suitcase,” Hoch said. “It’s really an awesome opportunity to go to a canonization and go to Rome.”
For members of the general public who are not going to Rome, Sister Rose Marie Mayock said the Little Sisters will have a prayer vigil in their chapel at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, the eve of the canonization.
On Sunday, Oct. 11 a 9:30 a.m., there will be a video of the actual canonization celebration of St. Jeanne Jugan in the auditorium of the home.