St. George’s, December 14, 2011 – The Father Hilarion Chesire Home for the elderly in Mt Rodney, St. Patrick, was in celebratory mood on Tuesday, December 13, when residents of the community were joined by a host of dignitaries to mark a special occasion.
Tuesday was the commemoration of the 39th anniversary of the establishment of the Hilarion Home.
Among the dignitaries to grace the event with their presence were His Excellency the Governor General, Sir Carlyle Glean, and Prime Minister and MP for St. Patrick East, Hon. Tillman Thomas. Also attending the annual commemorative event were Parliamentary Representative for the area and Minister for the Environment, Hon. Joseph Gilbert, as well as opposition senator Anthony Boatswain.
The main feature of the afternoon’s function was the Holy Mass with Parish Priest, Fr. Frederick Issick, who was the Chief Celebrant.
Earlier, Sir Carlyle placed a wreath on the grave of Fr. Hilarion Summers, founder of the Home. It is in his honour and memory that the institution is named.
Following remarks from both the Governor General and Prime Minister Thomas, the Administrator of the Home, Mrs Leah Orgias, delivered a comprehensive overview of the operations of the Hilarion Home.
She highlighted the many improvements over the past year in the delivery of quality care to the almost 30 residents of the Home. Plans were also revealed for further enhancement of the Home in the next few years.
Mrs Orgias expressed gratitude to all those who have been contributing towards the upkeep of the Home, including government, corporate citizens and members of the general public.
In the true spirit of the Christmas season, Sir Carlyle presented the Administrator with two lovely cakes for the residents of the Home, as had become customary by several of his predecessors over the years when they attended the annual commemoration.
Another highlight of the afternoon’s celebration was the performance of little seven-year-old resident of Snell Hall, Sierra Courtney. She thrilled everyone with her spectacular singing of two renditions; and captivated the hearts of old and young alike.
The St. Patrick’s R.C. Church Choir was equally joyous. They warmed the hearts of the elderly with their Christmas carols to bring the curtains down on a most memorable commemoration of the establishment of a truly great senior citizens’ home 39 years ago; and to pay tribute to the life of the man who had the vision and wisdom to found it.
Fr. Hilarion died tragically on December 14, 1972; one day after the Home was officially commissioned. His body was fished out of the Mt Rodney Bay, just 100 meters from the Home that would later be named after him.
