The October 22nd Liturgy at St. Cabrini Nursing Home was particularly moving for residents, staff, family members and volunteers. It was different from any other service. It was filled with joy and gratitude but also laden with sadness and tears. For this was the last Mass Rev. Edwin Robinson, OFM, Director of Pastoral Care, would conduct before retiring after a 21 year career at St. Cabrini Nursing Home.
The Chapel was packed with residents, staff, family members and volunteers who had all come to thank Fr. Edwin and wish him well. The Mass was beautiful and the staff and volunteers of the
Pastoral Care Department went above and beyond to make it a joyous celebration of not only Fr. Edwin’s career but his many gifts to St. Cabrini Nursing Home. Regina O’Connell, President of Resident Council, addressed Fr. Edwin at the end of Mass and likened him to an angel amongst us. She presented Fr. Edwin with a gift from the residents. It was a beautifully framed, spiritual painting created by resident, Sr. Susan Greene, RDC, with a quote from French Philosopher and Paleontologist, Teilhard de Chardin, SJ, that read:
“May the universe offer to our gaze the symbols
and the forms of all harmony and beauty.”
Mass was followed by a festive luncheon in the boardroom where everyone had time to wish Fr. Edwin well. Over his more than two decades of service to St. Cabrini Nursing Home, Fr. Edwin touched the lives of countless individuals and families. He touched the souls of so many with his meaningful and creative homilies. He was able to bring love, life and a sense of purpose to those who felt lost beneath the heavy baggage of physical challenges and emotional losses that comes with age. To many, he was so much more than the Director of Pastoral Care, he was a confidant, a reliable shoulder to lean on, a beacon of light in the darkness – he was a friend.
Fr. Edwin along with Pastoral Care Chaplain, Alex Riddick, who retired from his post, plan to return on a monthly basis to celebrate Mass and visit their Cabrini family. May God bless Fr. Edwin as he begins this new chapter on his journey.