Love and Care For the Elderly

Spending Christmas with the Little Sisters of the Poor, residents are grateful for ‘a little piece of heaven’

TOTOWA  The golden years are merry and bright at St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly here. Just ask the residents, who feel like they live in a little piece of heaven thanks to the love and care the Little Sisters of the Poor, who sponsor St. Joseph’s, provide for them.

The love and care of the sisters for the elderly, a population sometimes forgotten by the rest of society, inspires many to volunteer their time and talent or to donate to the home. From students to parishioners and local merchants to large corporations, the home is grateful for those who help them. All throughout the year, especially during the Advent and Christmas season so many give— whether its caroling through the home and residents’ rooms or sharing Christmas gifts especially to those residents who may not have family. More than 100 people volunteer at the home regularly along with many who join in the home’s efforts for special fund-raising events.

Little Sister of the Poor Sister Margaret Hogarty, mother superior of St. Joseph’s, said, “The home is always filled with love.”

Tonight on Christmas Eve, a vigil Mass will be celebrated for the residents, who are unable to leave or have no relatives around, followed by a candlelight dinner to celebrate the holiday. Those residents who have family that are visiting are also invited to the dinner. On Christmas Day, a morning Mass is held to mark Jesus’ birth followed by lunch.

Mary Matera, a 103-year-old resident said, “It’s beautiful living here. There’s nothing better than this place. I’m really happy to be a part of this family especially during Christmastime.”

Matera is the second oldest resident at St. Joseph’s. Archbishop Emeritus Peter Leo Gerety of Newark, the oldest living bishop in the world, takes the honor as the oldest resident at St. Joseph’s. During the home’s history, several diocesan and religious priests have lived in St. Joseph’s, providing companionship in a Catholic environment.

Even Pope Francis has been inspired by the order. He made a stop at a Little Sisters of the Poor Home in Washington D.C. during his U.S. visit in September. The visit came as the order is currently in the midst of a lawsuit involving the Obamacare healthcare mandate, which would force the Little Sisters to go against their religious beliefs. Sister Margaret said, “His visit to one of our homes is such an affirmation to our ministry. He was so personally concerned for us and our work. We were very grateful he took the for us.”

Little Sister of the Poor Rose de St. Raymond, who serves at St. Joseph’s, met Pope Francis during his visit and said, “Pope Francis appeared at the door and extended his joyful greeting to each one of us. As he was leaving, we joined in song and we could see he was deeply moved upon hearing us sing.”

St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly is one of 30 homes in the United States run by the order. A significant part of the order’s charism is “begging.” For some that may seem like a negative term but the for Little Sisters, begging is part of their identity and the belief that God will provide what they need. Sisters speak at parishes throughout the Diocese at Masses and visit local markets for produce and other food to prepare and serve to their elderly residents.

Suzanne Ross, grant writer at Little Sisters, said, “We are very thankful for the reality of so many volunteers and benefactors as St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly depends upon the generosity of our community to help us provide care for our aged, poor population.”