Marian Home (MH) for the Elderly held their annual fund-raising Poverty Meal early last month at the dining room of the Villa Santa Maria guesthouse, Mount of Prayer, Coubaril.

Following tradition, Archbishop Robert Rivas, assisted by Carmelite and Benedictine Sisters, dished out bowls of soup; it was his first Poverty Meal, which was initiated 20 years ago by his predecessor, Archbishop Emeritus Kelvin Felix. Diners were served a bowl of soup, a bread roll, and a glass of water, for their EC$50 contribution.

Archbishop Robert Rivas fills soup bowls at the annual Poverty Meal for Marian Home

The event began following the midday arrival of patron, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy.  Master of ceremonies Michael Aubertin then introduced Victor Eudoxie of the MH Management Board who welcomed all and gave the opening remarks.

Eudoxie appealed for more sustained financial assistance to maintain the Home, which currently has 61 elderly persons in residence.

Among the urgent needs of the 50-year old institution run by the Corpus Christi Carmelite Sisters are: a bus to transport residents for hospital visits, doctor visits and outings; a car for use by the Sisters, in particular administrator Sr Anne Reynolds, O Carm; and a water heater.

Guest speaker was Lawrence Laurent, retired principal of the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School and honorary secretary/treasurer of the Caribbean Ombudsman Association.

Theme of her address was It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). She compared the culture of giving of yesteryear with that of today, noting the many changes in strategy and the use of modern technology, for example, online credit-card donations.

She also urged parents to spend quality time with their children rather than provide only material things like expensive sneakers and cell phones.

Ms Laurent made an appeal for St Lucian society to continue supporting Marian Home in light of the increase in the cost of living, and hoped the institution receives a general face lift so as to better meet the needs and challenges of the next 50 years.

Edited from Catholic Chronicle