The Georgia Bulletin

Fri, Dec 5, 2008


What I Have Seen and Heard - Archbishop Gregory's Weekly Column

President, first lady visit Little Sisters of the Poor residence

Published: 2007-12-19

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In a flurry of nervous anticipation, the Little Sisters of the Poor in Washington scrambled to finish last-minute tasks and escort elderly residents to their seats as they prepared for a Christmas visit by President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush Dec. 18. Mother Benedict Armstrong, superior of the Jeanne Jugan Residence, and Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl led the president and first lady around the residence, a home for the poor and elderly run by the religious order. They stopped in the "book nook," where the president and his wife donated two books, and greeted Mary Ann Lucey, a volunteer librarian. Afterward the president and first lady greeted residents in the cafe and offered them Christmas cookies. "I put a tie on and everything," said a resident waiting to greet the visitors. The president wished everyone a "Merry Christmas," and told one resident that he reads the Bible every day.