They say life is a continuum. I believe that is true. As an introduction, my name is Tommy Fulton, and I have the privilege and blessing of serving as the new Director of Development for the Little Sisters of the Poor, here in Mobile. When I learned of the opening, I couldn’t help thinking that I was supposed to be here. In fact, in the back of my mind, I remembered “being here” before. As I rummaged through some old scrapbook items, I came across an old newspaper article from my high school days, probably around 1972. The St. Dominic CYO had raised money for the Little Sisters with a spaghetti dinner, and it was my honor as president to present the funds to them.
It gets even stranger. I couldn’t help but include this picture with my resume. During my interview, Sister Carolyn told me that there was a “rest-of-the-story” aspect to it. Sister Marguerite Marie, pictured in the article, had become a widow before she decided to become a nun. Even more surprising, when this picture was shown to one of our current Sisters, her response was, “That’s my mother!” Sister Mary Frances serves as a Little Sister here at the Sacred Heart Residence now.
The “continuum” doesn’t end there. One of the current residents, Msgr. Francis Murphy, served my home parish, St. Dominic Church, as pastor for many, many years. Early in his priesthood, Father Murphy had another connection with my family. He married my parents, S. C. and Betty Jo Fulton, at St. Joan of Arc Church in 1953. My mother died in 2003, shortly after my parent’s 50th anniversary. My father joined her in heaven in 2006. Father Murphy helped officiate both funerals.
(Below: Tommy Fulton & Monsignor Murphy)
I have seen first-hand the loving care demonstrated here at the Sacred Heart Residence by the Sisters, and a very professional and caring staff. We are indeed blessed to be served by such wonderful people, and I look forward to being a part of that team. If I can be of any help to anyone reading this blog, please contact me at 251.476.6335 or by email at devmobile@littlesistersofthepoor.org . Also, please click here to visit our Facebook page and “like” us!
