A large representation of Corpus Christi Carmelite Sisters from their six Carmels in Trinidad joined their L’Hospice Community to offer thanks to God for the 150th anniversary of the establishment of L’Hospice, the Spaccapietra Home for the Aged on Observatory Street, Port of Spain on Tuesday, August 7.

They were joined in the chapel by the aged inmates in their care as well as a large group of the laity, both benefactors and devotees of St Anthony of Padua, patron saint of the chapel.

At 5.00 p.m. sharp, our much-appreciated and truly loved organist, Michael Gonzales, began the Entrance Hymn, Rejoice My Soul, with everyone lustily joining in. The celebrants, Frs Reginald Hezekiah and Anthony de Verteuil and servers processed to the sanctuary.

Among the servers was Wayne Johnson, President of the Chapter of St Elias of the Carmelite Tertiaries. Fr Hezekiah is an “always ready” friend of the Sisters while Fr de Verteuil, CSSp of St Mary’s College, had faithfully served L’Hospice, as chaplain, for over 20 years.

After the entrance procession, Sr Antoinette Dickie, Superior General of the Congregation, gave a most enlightening appreciation of all who had been closely associated with L’Hospice through its 150 yearss. (See article written by Sr Teresa Swaratsingh, O Carm, carried in the Catholic News of August 5).

From left: Rosalie Burke 100 years, Mary Lee Moraldo 103 years, and Justine Baptiste 109 years old.

L'Hospice on Observatory Street

The First Reading was done by one of the inmates, Mary Lee, aged 103, from her wheelchair. It was so spiritually impressive to hear the Bible text read in flawless pronunciation and with meaning.

In his homily, Fr Hezekiah made references to Sr Antoinette’s “Welcome”. He saw this centennial year as one of rich blessings as the Carmelite Sisters serve the simple and the lowly but which, in the eyes of God, was a great work meriting His blessings. Father said he was convinced that, with the work we do, young women would want to join with us in serving the vulnerable. 

At the end of Holy Mass before the Recessional, Sr Adriana Noel, Asst General, offered a gracious Vote of Thanks. This was followed by Sr Petronilla, O Carm., the Regional Superior, who honoured the three most senior inmates of L’Hospice, each with a “golden rose” and a “Certificate of Appreciation” from the Corpus Christi Carmelite Sisters for the “gifts” they have been to this institution.

The congregation clapped approvingly as Sister mentioned Mary Lee, the Reader, 103 years; Rosalie Burke who will be 100 in November, (God willing) and Justina Baptiste, better known as “Dodoy” who will be 109 in September. All three of these “special” ladies are in wheelchairs.

After Holy Mass, the congregation was invited to a specially prepared box of delicious snacks and a drink while the Sisters enjoyed each other’s company over supper.

 It was an evening filled with God’s gifts of joyous worship, honouring His aged loved ones, those who have gone before who have made the celebration possible, the Sisters who care for this special group of citizens, the benefactors of L’Hospice and the devotees of St Anthony of Padua. Specially honoured too were the priests who gave us God’s greatest gift of the celebration, the Eucharist.

Three special ladies

I had a delightful time “interviewing” two of the three special residents of L’Hospice – Mary Lee and Justina Baptiste – on Sunday, August 12.

Mary Lee told me she was born in Brazil Village, San Raphael on New Year’s Day, 1904 as the midday Angelus was ringing out from the nearby Catholic Church. She attended “Little Convent”, now “Providence”, from where she passed her Cambridge Examination. She then worked at the Registrar General’s Office, Port-of-Spain, for 32 years.

She quite proudly shared with me that she is a Government Pensioner. Mary Lee is the last living member of her family. Her house is still in Brazil, closed up now.

It is called “La Teresita”, following a custom in those days of naming houses. She is high in praise of her neighbours. She confided that she is always happy; to which I can testify after spending those lovely moments with her.

My next delightful “interview” was with Justina Baptiste who, as I looked across, was enjoying her Sunday lunch. In my conversation with Justina I had to be assisted by Sr Ramona, the Superior and Superintendent of the Home.

“Dodoy” shared that she was born on September 27, 1898. She is from Paramin. Sr Ramona shared that “Dodoy” recognises her friends when she sees them and recalls their names.

Justina is the aunt of the late Fr Philip Forde, She told me that she likes everything. I readily agreed as she continued to enjoy her Trini Sunday lunch.