The year 2025 marks the 50 years of the dedicated service of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Tuticorin. The preparations for this great occasion began a year ago with prayers and sacrifices.
The arrival of the invitees on the 5th and 6th announced the imminence of the celebrations. On the 7th at 10.00 am there was a prayer service, thanking God for this great occasion. The home being Jeanne Jugan Illam, it was centered on the virtues of charity and humility and gratitude towards God of our Mother and the Rosary was prayed for all the intentions of the Residents. At 4.30 pm all the Residents, staff and the Little sisters were gathered in the front courtyard, the stage was set near the grotto of our Lady of Lourdes with the backdrop, “Never forget that the Poor are Our Lord” with the image of St. JJ with the two Elderly. Rev Fr. Victor Devaraj our chaplain was the Chief guest for the program. The welcome speech was given by Mrs. Joyse Brighten (AJJ Coordinator). Sr. Francoise Marie du Saint Esprit who was one of the founding member of the Home, was specially honored .All the staff who had worked from the beginning of the foundation and who had recently retired were honored with a shawl and gift. Then the Residents, staff and AJJ took to the stage and gave a variety of program which included, songs, dances, skits which provided a relaxing time to all and put us in the jubilee spirit. Delicious supper was served for all the family members of the staff and they spent a memorable evening with photos, selfies and witty exchanges.
The red-letter day for the home, the 8th January began with a Holy Eucharist at 7.00 am which was presided over by Bishop Emeritus of Tuticorin Most Rev. Yvonne Ambroise. The chapel was decked with yellow lilies fitting for the occasion and the Residents were in their jubilee best attire. Mother Provincial added their joy with a gift of gold chain for the Ladies and a bracelet for the men. The melodious choir was led by Mr. Diwahar and his team. In his introduction Bishop said that, it is a joyous occasion not only to the home, but for the entire Church because the poor and the side lined of the society are fed and taken care, in reality it is the very mission of the Church, the preferential love for the poor. He also thanked the Little Sisters who had tirelessly worked in this home and the difficulties they encountered in the reconstruction of the new home and how he was amazed to see this beautiful home was completed, and recalled the events of the opening of the home.
During the day there were benefactors who visited the home and offered their wishes and the invitees started arriving from 6 pm onwards. The stage was set with the same backdrop but now adorned with flowers of yellow and white chrysanthemums and roses, which were also sponsored. The Thanksgiving Eucharist began at 6.30.pm with a procession from the balcony and the celebrants were welcomed by Kumba Aaarthi. It was presided by Most Rev. Stephen Anthony, Bishop of Tuticorin and concelebrated by 18 priests.
Sr. Mary Pramila Emmanuel gave a brief introduction about the origin and our humble beginnings, then Mother Provincial read Mere’s message for this occasion. The message of Pope Francis was read by Bishop Stephen. The Parish Choir led by Mr. Eugene Arulanadar led us harmoniously in a prayerful atmosphere. The readings were appropriately chosen from Is 63, 7-8 and second from the letter to the Colossians3,12-17 and the Gospel of Luke 7,18-23. Bishop Stephen in his homily thanked the Little Sisters for their dedicated services and it reflects the Churches mission that it not only venerates the Saints raising them to the altar but also serves the Poor and that the Church will never abandon the poor. He also narrated the incident how St. Jeanne Jugan was treated badly during the collecting rounds and her courage and perseverance during collecting rounds and her love for the Elderly. As the recessional hymn was sung the stage was swiftly rearranged to honour the chief guests.
Honourable MP of Tuticorin Mrs. Kanimozhi and Social Welfare minister Mrs. Geetha Jeevan were unable to be there in person but had sent their wishes. The other dignitaries Most Rev. Stephen Anthony, Mother Mary Clara, Mr. Jagan Periyasamy the Mayor, Mr. Michael Motha, Mr. Heartly Machado, Dr. Samuel Prapthik, Dr. Maria Infant Richard were escorted to the dais and honored with a shawl and fresh bouquet of flowers.
Then it was the solemn moment, Bishop Stephen released the souvenir book and Mr. Jagan Periyasamy, the Mayor, released the memento and presented it to all the dignitaries.
The students from St. Ann’s College of nursing and St. Aloysious performed a welcome dance and then Sr. Pauline delivered the vote of thanks.
As snack boxes were distributed, three stages were set for the sound and light on the life of St. Jeanne Jugan. It was written and directed by Mr and Mrs Hillary and Sujatha brother of Sr. Francisca Dominica. It was acted by our Residents,AJJ, friends and benefactors and the youth of the Parish. The costumes were very well arranged and it was acted to the perfection. Everyone appreciated it and we pray that this occasion may bring new flowering of vocations to our province. Then the dignitaries were led to the Residents dining room for dinner and the day came to a perfect end as we could say with our Mother St. Jeanne Jugan, “Blessed be God, thank you my God and glory be to God.”
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