Garvey Manor Visit

 by Sr. Helena of Mary, O.Carm.

Our two Novices Sr. Pia and Sr. Philomena, Sr. Mary O'Donovan our Vocation Director and myself,  visited Garvey Manor Nursing Home in Hollidaysburg, PA on May 21 to 23. The Home is operated by the Carmelite Sisters.  The visit was both social and formative.The trip was considered a success in many ways. Sr. Jacinta Mary, Sr. Joachim Anne, Sr. Robert Anthony, Sr. Angelina and Sr. Maureen Paul showed exceptional hospitality. This was a long overdue visit to my First Mission after thirteen and a half years! Since that time the facility had undergone major changes and reconstruction.. I was so impressed with the very beautiful result.  You can visit their website HERE.

The trip was both social and instructional for the Novices.  Sr. Jacinta Mary, our "wisdom figure" shared wonderful insights about community life and mission of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm.  She shared personal reflections on our Foundress Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa having lived with Mother Angeline during the early years of the Congregation.  The Novices listened to the exhortations of fidelity to prayer, loving our Sisters to the best of our ability, challenges in religious life, and many others.  The visit was full of laughs with the antics of added community members- a Maltese Terrier named Abby and a bird named Twinkle.  On Trinity Sunday, we attended Benediction at the Loretto Carmelite Monastery and spoke with Mother Prioress and their Novice Mistress.  I've put together a video and I think it captured the spirit of our visit.  

We like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Sisters at Garvey Manor! Thank you very much!