Every day should be a day to give God thanks for the abundance that he gives us, whether in big things or little, but how wonderful that we can take a special day and go to great lengths to gather with family and friends, prepare delicious foods and have some fun, all the while humbling in God’s amazing provisions and giving him his due praise throughout the day. This year was no exception.
Once again, enough turkeys were donated to our Home that Mother Benedict was able to give one to each of our Home’s employees to take home for their families. And though many employees and some residents were able to travel to celebrate with family elsewhere, a wonderful day of celebration was had right here at our Home in D.C.
Our Thanksgiving Day celebration included quite a feast, served mid-day, and included all the traditional fixings from yams to pumpkin pie. David Wing even did the carving of the turkey. The afternoon continued with an entertaining game introduced by Sr. Camille whereby a small plastic turkey was hidden while a resident or employee left the room. Donning a farmer’s hat, the “farmer” had to enter the room and find the hidden turkey cued by louder and faster “gobbling” by the Residents and Staff as they got closer and closer to the turkey.
There’s not much funnier to witness than a roomful of adults frantically “gobbling” in support of their fellow Resident.
A much needed rest was provided after all this with a small gathering on couches in the breezeway to watch a traditional Thanksgiving Day Football Game where soda and snacks were provided. (As if anyone was still hungry after that feast!)
And all of this was preceded by a beautiful Thanksgiving Day Mass at 10:30AM, said by Monsignor Ranieri and concluded with Holy Hour in the Chapel at 5:00pm – a fitting way to say “Thank You” to God for the day.
Grateful Praise…
The next day, the talented and homeschooled children of St. Bernadette Parish blessed our “little family” of Residents and Little Sisters with a special presentation of “A Thanksgiving Play.”
Utilizing endearing sets – which they designed themselves – and wearing adorable costumes these young actors brought to life that first Thanksgiving way back in 1621. A gentle reminder for all of us to be thankful for what we have – no matter how much or how little.
In their happy performances as Wampanoag and Pilgrims, they hunt and prepare food side-by-side and then, as equals and friends, they enjoy a bountiful feast.
The children ended their performance—on their knees—offering this prayer of thanksgiving.
For the Beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies:
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise!
“These families and their children are so inspiring,” said Resident Robin Sand, “the little ones so polite and gracious.” “In fact,” she continued, “little Katia ran over and shook my hand and then brought over a friend and introduced her to me too. “