October 16, 2009
The Bishop's Forum
St. Marie of the Cross: Canonization of St. Jeanne Jugan, L.S.P.
by Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger
Rome: Sunday 11 October 2009
My trip here was uneventful and I arrived on time on Tuesday morning. It was a happy trip as I anticipated the Canonization of Blessed Jeanne Jugan, L.S.P. I was pleased to know that Father Ted Tempel would also be present. Both of us came on our own to honor the Little Sisters of the Poor of St. John’s Home in Evansville.
On Wednesday at the weekly general audience I got to greet the Holy Father personally. It was, as always most moving for me — and I am sure it was work for him, yet he never let on.
Then again on Thursday I reminded myself of my personal diaconal commitment 50 years ago when I concelebrated the Mass of Ordination of 30 transitional deacons from the Pontifical North American College here in Rome. Archbishop Carlson of St. Louis was the ordaining bishop. It took place at the magnificent altar of the Chair just below the glorious alabaster window depicting the Holy Spirit as a dove.
Later on Thursday afternoon, I made my way to the Generalate of the Little Sisters of the Poor who had a ticket for me for the Canonization on Sunday. They were most gracious as they went out of their way to provide me that courtesy.
Disappointed that I would not be allowed to concelebrate the Mass of Canonization, I felt at one with the Sisters. I, as they, would participate in the Mass at which the Holy Father would declare their Foundress Blessed Jeanne Jugan to be a saint. Nonetheless, together on Sunday we would share the joy of that momentous occasion as the Holy Father made it official that their Foundress Jeanne Jugan was indeed a Saint! St. Marie of the Cross!
On both Friday and Saturday nights there were prolonged thunderstorms and rain. Saturday morning dawned with bright sunshine and the air was very heavy with moisture.
Sunday morning the rain had stopped and the sun was making its way through broken clouds. I was glad for that as it would be a bit cooler.
When we arrived at the Vatican we were informed that the Mass of Canonization was moved into St. Peter’s Basilica. That decision left 30 to 40 thousand pilgrims in the piazza as there was not enough room inside. They could, however, participate via large TV screens set up for the occasion. After Mass the Holy Father went out to greet them all and they responded with exuberant cheers.
To participate in the Mass with the Holy Father again brought back fond memories of the Canonization of St. Theodore Guerin, S.P. I was permitted to concelebrate that Mass with the other bishops of Indiana. Both were very moving experiences for me and I am certain for all who were present to rejoice to be reassured that five most worthy saints were declared to be so.
I was very proud to be there with so many of the Little Sisters of the Poor. I was very conscious of the Little Sisters from St. John’s Home here in Evansville. I carried them all with me in my heart and in grateful prayer.
May St. Marie of the Cross intercede for all the Little Sisters of the Poor and all of us who benefit from their most dedicated ministry to the frail elderly of our community!