News

BEING PRESENTATION IN NEW ORLEANS

Submitted by Fargo Associates Dennis and Kathy Hogan

When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat – Matthew 25:35

In December we had the privilege of volunteering for the Lantern Light in New Orleans for two weeks.    When we first considered this idea, it seemed like a good thing to do in Advent; little did we know what a life changing experience we would have.   Volunteering for the Lantern was amazing, because it was a totally Presentation experience. 

The Lantern Light is a day program for people who are homeless.  The Rebuild Center, which is a collaborative project with the Harry Thompson Center, Catholic Charities, St. Joseph’s Church and the Lantern, provides numerous services to their guests.  The Sisters  offer snacks and one full meal,  laundry, mail, showers, a place to brush teeth or shave,  medical, legal, and VA services, prescription assistance, financial help and emergency food for the neighborhood.  Starting at 7:30 a.m. and ending late in the afternoon after clean-up; the days were long and often cold as the facility is partially outdoors.  It rained more than 20 inches while we were there.  Every day was both routine and different.

It was not what we did that touched our hearts and souls, but more the manner in which every service was provided, every question was answered, every donor thanked, every guest served.    The five Presentation Sisters: Anna, Enid, Marie, Mary Dennis, and Vera  work at the Lantern and reflect the call of Nano in all they do.   They have a zeal for hospitality that shows every guest they are welcome and valued.  The guests respond with respect and gratitude.   There is simplicity in the services - - a structure and routine that is comfortable to guests, staff and volunteers.  But if there is an emergency or a new situation, it is addressed, doing whatever needs to be done.    There is a faithfulness and trust in God’s generosity.  Often the staff does not know who will come with what food, but they know that God will provide - - and every day God did and every day more than 200 people were fed.  

Being at the Lantern Light was like living in the heart of God.  There was a steady beat and rhythm to the sounds: quiet talking, movement of people, both guests and volunteers, the constant flow of donated food and other goods coming in and the preparation of food to give out.  It is a sacred place and all Presentation Sisters and Communities should know that the Lantern Light is truly a place that Nano loves.