Habemus Matrem!
By Sandra Laguerta
“Little” is no way to describe how Residents, Little Sisters, staff, and visitors welcomed their new Mother Superior, Mother Gonzague, to Saint Louis Residence. In the hour and a half before Mother Gonzague arrived, they gathered in the main lobby, donning Santa Claus hats and practicing a Christmas song to sing. Dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, Residents Steve Gray and Katie Hoormann met Mother Gonzague at the entrance of our Home.
Up next was our newest Resident, Erica, who presented Mother with a “key to the Home.” Other Residents gave Mother stuffed animals, flowers and hugs. But the biggest surprise came after a cue from Sister Joseph when the whole room began to sing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”
Although Mother Gonzague comes to us from the home in Kansas City, she is no stranger to Saint Louis Residence, having served here many years ago. We warmly welcome her back to Cardinal Country as this rhyme of Sister Paul captures so well:
“Let’s take this moment with all of us here,
To greet our new Mother with a Cardinal Cheer!
Just pull the white tab under my birdie tail–
And she’ll know she’s home in St. Louis without fail.”
