We fervently prayed our Novena to St. Jeanne Jugan until the culmination day of August 29th, the Vigil of her feast, when she appeared in a new Icon titled “St. Jeanne Jugan at Prayer” which was painted by Mr. Sergio Pinecross. This icon was blessed and chrismated on this day by Exarch Joseph Haggar, JCL from the Melkite Greek Catholic Church and was assisted by his Deacon Gilbert Altongy. This deacon who is also one of our attending physicians was ordained on August 24th and he was very pleased and honored to participate in this celebration as his first public ceremony. To begin the Vigil celebration, the icon of St. Jeanne held high by Sergio led the procession into the chapel followed by Fr. Joe and Deacon Altongy. She was then placed on an easel before the altar. The blessing began with some prayers provided by Fr. Joe. She was then blessed with holy water, anointed with the oil of holy chrism in four corners of the icon, and then incensed. At this time, she was brought to her permanent place by Sergio. We then prayed the Litany of St. Jeanne Jugan and proceeded to pray the rosary and then Evening Prayer. St. Jeanne Jugan is truly among us now!
FEAST OF ST. JEANNE JUGAN