In thanksgiving to Divine Providence, Saint Joseph, and the Felician Sisters!
In March of 1971, the Archdiocese of Hartford, through the intermediary of Reverend Charles W. Daly, Assistant Chancellor made it known that the Felician Sisters of the Order of Saint Francis of Connecticut were prepared to sell a partially-completed building on their property in Enfield, due to unforeseen difficulties.
This news presented itself as a favorable solution to the predicament that the Little Sisters in New Haven were facing at that time: our Home, called Saint Andrew’s Home, was no longer in compliance with the ever-increasing demands of the State of Connecticut. This House was built in 1902 and could not be remodeled in order to meet the new safety standards.
Upon visiting the site and finding it favorable, a small network of charitable professionals helped the Little Sisters to assess the situation. The Little Sisters and Residents of New Haven, as well as the Felician Sisters of Enfield, offered prayer and sacrifice, that a decision in our favor would be reached, and God willing, a new Home for our Residents would be a reality.
In May of that year, the Community College of Enfield expressed serious interest in purchasing the property. We redoubled our prayers to Saint Joseph, that our desire and that of the Felician Sisters be realized. This intention was confided to a Felician Sister who was dying; she promised to ask God for this favor. In the first days of June, we received the wonderful news that we could proceed with our plans to acquire the property! How grateful we were, and still are, to God’s Providence, and to Saint Joseph our Protector, whose unfailing care watched over each and every event leading up to the acquisition.
Truly, as Saint Jeanne Jugan said many years ago, “If God fills the House, He will not abandon it” and “God is with us; the work is His.”
Every Home of the Little Sisters is a miracle of Divine Providence. It’s with great joy that we give thanks to God for the blessings of these past 50 years! Thank you, Lord!
Our Home under construction
Our Home – nearly completed
Foundation History