Here in St. Joseph’s Home, Waterford we marked Sunday 24th 2nd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly with a special Mass, residents participated in Readings and Offertory Procession. This was followed by a special festive meal to mark the occasion. Then on the 26th Feast of SS Joachim and Anne we welcomed the residents’ families. They had received their invitation via email inviting them to join with us in celebrating the 2nd World day for Grandparents and the Elderly. They were asked to bring the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Because our theme was “Ferrybank Home Farm” families were invited to bring their pets. We got a truly amazing response and at 2.30 p.m. we already had lambs, hens, bantams, a rabbit, several dogs of varying breeds and the highlight of the afternoon was when Beauty the pony arrived unexpectedly to the great delight of all the children who swarmed around him. Two local prestigious musicians, Cathy Desmond on the Violin and Maria Ingoldsby on the keyboard provided some traditional Irish music and songs throughout the afternoon. Ice Cream and soft drinks were enjoyed by all. The fun really started when two of the hens escaped from the hen run and the race was on to catch them – this brought great delight to everyone – one resident described it afterwards as the highlight of the afternoon.
