Union: US – Newly Organized Guadalupe Community

The 18 sisters living in six houses in Southern California and the five sisters residing at Regina Residence, the retirement home of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, recently organized themselves to become one local community. Guadalupe was the chosen name of this new local community. Sister Jane Bonar was appointed local leader of the Guadalupe Community and took office as of May 1, 2021.

Every community member, having been fully vaccinated, gathered for a picnic April 25 in Watts, Los Angeles. It was the first gathering of the sisters after over a year of lockdown. Everything was blooming in the garden, a sure sign of spring and new life, and reflective of the “new” community. It was so exciting to come together and catch up on the happenings in our province, congregation, and around the world. We enjoyed a delicious boxed lunch with sandwiches, chips, and cookies. Lunch was followed by an Easter egg hunt in the garden, games, and chit-chat. It was so refreshing and good to be together. Even Kitty, the cat, came to check us out and enjoy a little attention.

Then on May 1, Sister Fidelma Lyne, one of the sisters living at Regina Residence, celebrated her 90th birthday. Fidelma was hoping the day would slip by quietly, but she found her bedroom door beautifully decorated. That was the beginning of a wonderful 90th birthday celebration. The two sisters in Upland, Calif., where Fidelma used to live, arrived at 1:00 pm and surprised her with a special birthday cake, gifts, flowers, balloons, a crown and a “Birthday Queen” sash. Little did Fidelma know that all the sisters of the Guadalupe Community were busily decorating their cars in the parking lot to surprise her with a drive-by. She received more balloons, flowers, cards, and birthday wishes. To add to her joy, each of our sisters at the facility was brought out to participate in the event. It was a joyful celebration for our sisters at Regina Residence and for each of us in the Guadalupe Community.

It was a fitting beginning to this newly formed Guadalupe Community. We look forward to many more gatherings and celebrations.

-Sisters Mary Kelly and Jocelyn Quijano