NORTH SMITHFIELD — On January 7, Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., made his first pastoral visit to the St. Antoine Community, a diocesan provider of skilled senior care, including rehabilitative services, assisted living and hospice care.
The bishop’s visit began with Mass at the chapel of St. Antoine.
Bishop Lewandowski’s homily centered on the theme of self-giving love, pointing out how the vulnerable state the Lord took upon himself when he became man showcases both our dependence on the loving help of others, and our duty to offer such help to one another.
Bishop Lewandowski began his homily by sharing a story from a family member as they displayed their Nativity scene for Christmas: “They said, ‘There’s something really strange about all of this. Mary and Joseph are all grown up, they can take care of themselves; The shepherds have a good job—they’re self-sufficient. Even the animals can take care of themselves. And the angels, well, God takes care of them. And the kings, well, they’ve got everything.’ Then it occurred to me that the only one who’s frail, weak, vulnerable, and in need of help — is Jesus.”
“The only one who needs a savior, is the savior,” Bishop Lewandowski said. “We have a savior born needing to be saved to teach us that we actually could be salvation for one another, by even just smiling at someone, offering a kind word, being a positive presence in their lives, bringing joy, peace and happiness to others.”
Following Mass and joined by residents and staff, Bishop Lewandowski rededicated a statue of St. Anthony, patron saint of St. Antoine’s. He then visited with the residents, including many retired priests and religious.
Residents shared that they felt spiritually uplifted by the bishop’s visit.
“I felt jubilee. I was joyful. I’ve never seen him before,” said Dennis Desrochers, a resident of St. Antoine’s.
“It’s a wonderful occasion,” said another resident, Maureen Fenner. “He can come back as often as he likes.”
Resident and retired sister of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Sister Yvette Hubert, F.M.M., said “It was wonderful to have him here. It was a great pleasure, and we’re happy that he came. His homily was very touching. He was full of energy.”
Founded on a legacy of Catholic service, St. Antoine’s Residence began in 1913 as a hospice established by Msgr. Charles Dauray. Inspired by his work with the Sisters of Charity among Woonsocket’s French-Canadian population, Dauray created the facility to care for the community’s most vulnerable. After moving to its permanent location in 1941, the residence was replaced by a modern complex in 1994, continuing a century-long tradition of care.
