Surely the Spirit of the Lord is in this place! The weekend of August 20 – 21, our home was filled with youthful energy and joy as we hosted an overnight retreat in celebration of World Youth Day. Our Residents and Sisters welcomed 150 teens and their youth ministers from throughout the Archdiocese of Mobile and surrounding areas for an amazing experience of service, fellowship, and worship, culminating with the 2 a.m. broadcast of the Papal Mass from Spain.
The full evening program included skits, talks, music, Adoration, Benediction, Confession, and Mass in the home’s chapel, celebrated by Archbishop Rodi. The Archbishop offered a beautiful homily with words of praise and encouragement for all of the teens, reminding them that they would receive the same Holy Spirit as the teens in Spain.
The teens participated in a service project, writing personal notes to the Residents, which were left on their doors to be found in the morning. The Sisters helped lead small group discussions on the lives of the saints, including our beloved St. Jeanne Jugan. Sr. Cecilia led a candlelight procession to our grotto, where we joined together in saying the rosary.
Some of the Residents came to personally thank everyone who attended. The teens were able to see how our Residents are people just like them; a little older maybe, but happy and full of life!
Thanks be to God for this wonderful opportunity to share His amazing love and our Home with a younger generation! Special thanks to the Office of Youth Ministry and the ACE Advocates for co-sponsoring our celebration.
