By Eric Martin
Saturday 31 August marked an historic event in the mission of the Little Sisters of the Poor.
More than 300 guests filled the chapel to capacity to witness the dedication and consecration of the newly built chapel and altar, marking the completion of the rebuilding project and the official opening of the Glendalough aged-care facility.
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB presided the liturgy, which included the Rite of Dedication, and was joined by Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton, Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey, and Geraldton Emeritus Bishop Justin Bianchini.
Also in attendance were local government figures Sean Le’Strange, Member for Churchlands, Mr David Michael, Member for Balcatta, Councillor Mark Irwin, the Mayor of the City of Stirling, Mr Adam Spagnolo and Mr Giovanni Italiano, Councillors of the City of Stirling.
“I feel very privileged to be invited to be a part of this beautiful celebration this morning, the consecration and dedication of this chapel and of the altar and also, in that sense, the blessing and opening of the whole facility,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“I really want to invite you to enter into the beauty of this very rich and very symbolic celebration that we are about to share together – it will help each one of us to understand who we are as the Church, as people of God and what lies at the very heart of who we are.”
Central to the homily were the words of the Little Sisters’ foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan, quoted by the Archbishop in reference to the caring heart and charism of the order:
“Jesus is waiting for you in the chapel, go and find him when your strength and patience are giving out. When you feel lonely and helpless. Say to him, you know well what is happening my dear Jesus, I have only you, come to my aid. And then go on your way and don’t worry about how you are going to manage, it is enough to have told our good Lord – he has an excellent memory.”
The Little Sisters’ Mother Provincial was present for the ceremony and delivered heart-felt words of gratitude, both to everyone who attended and to those who participated in the construction of the new facilities.
She then read a message from Mother General in France, who visited Glendalough in 2017 and was present at the laying of the foundation stone, which she fondly remembers.
In her message, Mother General acknowledged all present, with deep gratitude and sincerity:
“…we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Salim Lee, our Architect, great friend and benefactor, working closely with the architect Frank del Borrello and the master builder Marc Jones, and to the numerous tradesmen who have worked so hard on this site so that our residents, as well as our staff members, Jeanne Jugan Associates and volunteers, can now enjoy the beauty and comfort of modern facilities just two years on from the laying of the foundation stone, and one year before the Home will be celebrating its centenary, as 2020 will mark 100 years since the arrival of the Little Sisters in Perth!
“Last but not least, I would like to express our heartful thanks to each and every one of our kind friends and benefactors who have been intermediaries of Divine Providence for us in funding the total reconstruction of this House. Without your support, we could never have undertaken such a big project…:”
The Little Sisters of the Poor have been providing accommodation and support in Glendalough in accordance with the tenets of Saint Jeanne Jugan, since 1921.
In 1970 a modern hostel for ladies was completed, followed by a complex to accommodate elderly married couples and then a section for retired priests of the Archdiocese.
In 1981, hostel accommodation with ensuites were built for men and a new 40 bed nursing home, day centre and physiotherapy centre was completed.
The new facility, which began construction in 2017 (built on the demolished remains of the former home), was ready for occupancy from 24 July, 2019.
The Glendalough Home is a purpose-built modern facility with features such as a luxuriously appointed lounge, newly landscaped gardens and courtyards, a large barbeque gathering area that families are welcome and a superbly designed layout that utilizes a street scape –residents’ rooms resemble the front of a small house and are situated along two corridors that look identical to an urban street, complete with gardens, benches and street lights.
From pages 18 to 19 of Issue 22: ‘The Church in Perth’ of The Record Magazine