Nursing Home Introduces Catholic Mass, Gets Unexpected Result
A nursing home in Chicago is nestled into an area where people are largely and deeply Catholic, so that’s the background of many of the home’s residents. But the facility didn’t hold mass. No priest visited. They had religious services, but they were nondenominational, conducted by a female minister, reports the Long-Term Living website. So the nursing home decided to try something new.
They planned a religious service that would speak to their Catholic residents. There was an altar, there were hymns, there was a priest. And there was a surprise. During the ceremony, director of nursing Jean Marie recounts:
“[The priest] processed to the altar, genuflected, faced the altar with his back to the congregation, and conducted the liturgy starting in sonorous Latin. The Spirit, it seemed, was about to descend.
“A hush fell over the faithful. All turned toward Emma. At a ripe age of 93, lovable Emma was severely demented and for months had spoken only gibberish. The congregation was aghast as the miracle unfolded before their eyes.
“Emma shot out of her wheelchair. She stood ramrod erect, she thrust her hands toward heaven, and in loud, crisp and clear words accompanied the priest in reciting the entire Our Father, flawlessly and with not a syllable out of synch.”
Interesting, huh? Perhaps something to think about when choosing a nursing home.
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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in health and aging issues. She covers finding and paying for senior care for OurParents. If you have any questions about this post or need help finding senior-care options for a loved one, call 1-866-483-4896 to speak with a care advisor in your area.
