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LE GRAND CHENE HOME FOR THE AGED CELEBRATES ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Saturday, 22nd June 2024, was the date chosen to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Le Grand Chêne.
The residents, the staff, the families, the administrators and the sisters welcomed one another in a warm and friendly atmosphere at the entrance of the chapel, where we began our thanksgiving celebration.
The mass was concelebrated by four priests close to our Sisters or to the residents. The welcoming address recalled the "thirty years during which so many lives full of wonderful experiences had been able to come to completion in a climate of serenity and trust."
During the homily, we were invted to trsust in the Lord, relying on the goodness of God who knows what we need!
After the Eucharist, sister Suzanne Marie outlined the story of Le Grand Chêne, which was established in 1994 by the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy as a home for their elderly and sick sisters. Since 2002, the Home has been opened to elderly priests and lay people.
Le Grand Chêne: "The roots of this tree, deeply rooted in the values of St Joseph, ensure the stability of the trunk, which brings together the wide range of different branches to create, in perfect harmony, a place of welcome, listening, kindness and shared love".
Le Grand Chêne has survived and developed with the commitment of the management team working with the manager and his teams, and with the support of a number of volunteers whose talents and skills are an asset to the residents.
Mr Sourioux, Chairman of the Management Board, expressed his joy and pride at being where he is today, in our midst. He expressed his gratitude to the Congregation and praised the commitment of all those who are involved in this wonderful endeavour which has brought us together today.
Mr Barry, Deputy Mayor of Seynod, expressed once more the Municipality's appreciation of the Grand Chêne and their wish to continue the support given from the very beginning...
The floor was then handed over to the "GRAND CHENE". who tells its story through the voices of a resident and a carer.
An aperitif and a festive meal : a time for getting together and sharing ideas... which will continue outdoors with the tour of the newly-arranged therapeutic garden, with the aim of getting the Residents involved, with the help of the carers or their relatives. Each activity is combined with a riddle to solve in order to complete the trail. A series of mandalas made by the residents with the help of professionals are used to illustrate this original tour. Here are some inspiring ideas:
To take risks, again and again!
Betting on each other.
Falling asleep counting stars.
Saying that you love.
Going through trials and not getting discouraged.
May this thanksgiving day be an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between the various stakeholders in our common mission!
« Let us keep alive the memory of the Lord;
let us keep in our hearts the memory of his marvellous deeds ».