​The Year of Consecrated Life celebrated at St. Francis Nursing Home

The Year of Consecrated Life celebrated at St. Francis Nursing Home

The Year of Consecrated Life announced by Pope Francis is a great opportunity to thank all those who decided to witness to the Risen Christ by living the consecrated life.

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, was able to thank those religious sisters who are now in residence at St. Francis Nursing Home on April 13. During the eucharistic celebration at the Chapel, the archbishop thanked the elderly sisters from the many orders for accepting the call to religious life and for all the wonderful things they were able to do and are still doing for the Church. He reassured them that the church will always be grateful to them for witnessing to Christ in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, and for sharing their faith with so many of our brothers and sisters.

Visiting St. Francis, he also thanked the Seraphic Sisters and the staff of the nursing home for the care they provide to the residents, especially acknowledging their love and dedication with which they serve.

The pastoral visit of the Archbishop was greatly appreciated by the participants. This was expressed by Felice Rodriguez, president of the Residents Council, who welcomed the archbishop, and by Father William McNamara, who now serves as chaplain at St. Francis, when he thanked the archbishop after Mass.

All the religious, including Sister Elizabeth Ann Vasquez, SSCJ, director of the archdiocesan Office for Consecrated Life, felt very honored and blessed to take part in this event.

After the celebration in the chapel, the archbishop honored the Seraphic Sisters with his presence at the convent, where lunch was served. During the lunch, which was filled with cheerful conversation and laughter, Archbishop Gustavo continued to elaborate about the importance of religious life in the world today. He stressed that those who live the religious life should always be filled with joy and give witness to the Risen Christ with courage and happiness despite difficulties.

The celebration of the Year of Consecrated Life on April 13 was with no doubt a significant moment in the history of St. Francis Nursing Home. Those who participated in this event felt strengthened by the shepherd of the archdiocese, as well as encouraged to continue in their journey with Jesus Christ.