Spring 2008
Our Lady Appears at Harvard (at an art show)
This fall a community group called “For Art’s Sake,” sponsored an exhibit “Made in Harvard” for local artists…so on November 15, 2007, Our Lady of Good Counsel made her début at the old Hapgood Library in Harvard Center.
Hand quilted, Sister Marie-Jean did this rendering of an ancient icon. It was her first quilt. The earth tones of the picture are very close to the original colors of the painting in Genazzano Italy. The exhibit was shown for one month, enabling many patrons to appreciate this piece and the tremendous work involved, and to learn a little about the Mother of God.
Needlework is one of the art activities that the Sisters enjoy during their evening recreation. Presently there are four quilts and some very intricate cross-stitch in the process. Already completed works include seven quilts and a variety of framed needlework hanging in the convent. But that is just the needlework…then there is the painting, drawing and woodwork…. and we’ll save that for another time!
Father Joseph Richard, Rest in Peace
On January 13th, 2008 our beloved chaplain of five years passed away at Saint Francis Home, where his declining health forced him to finally retire. He was 94 years old.
Father Joseph Richard was a well-loved chaplain at the Center. Often you would find him with a circle of first graders kneeling at his feet for a blessing. In Pontifical solemnity he would call upon God and deliver the requested benediction. Then without fail he extracted a Hail Mary in return for what he called his “conversion”.
Even as his health declined, he would sit outside the Chapel waiting for a penitent or someone in need. He was always available. At his funeral, the superior of the Augustinian Assumptionists remarked, “ Father never imagined not performing his priestly ministry. Even at his place of retirement, he continued to hear confessions, give blessings and say his breviary and numberless rosaries every day. He took his priesthood seriously.”
A French Canadian, Father was raised in New Bedford, MA. He was the “Benjamin” of his family and surviving youngest of 14 children. Only 5’ tall he was cheerful and witty and loved to make clever remarks especially in French at which he was a master of puns. His childlike joy accompanied by songs and stories hid the genius and adventurous background of this beloved man. A master of five languages, he had spent a total of 9 years in Moscow as the Apostolic Delegate during the Cold War. He also served as Novice Master to his community and taught Gregorian chant.
He was extremely devoted to Our Lady and he loved to celebrate the Latin Tridentine Mass, which he did for the school children during the last years of his “active” life, until his health forced him to stop at the age of 91. He was a perfect example of “La Joie de Vivre” which he spread to all who knew him. May he rest in peace.