Retired priest celebrates Ash Wednesday mass for the elderly at a nursing home

HOUSTON — Ash Wednesday is the day that marks the official start of Lent for the Catholic and Christian faiths.

One group of older people in the Houston area couldn’t get to the ward, so the ward came to them.

Monsignor Jean Francis had not expected this call.

“Because we are retired, we have no obligation to come to the parish. Therefore, when someone contacts us, we are ready to help them if we can,” said Monsignor Francis.

He had retired for 15 years as a priest, but Monsignor Francis still celebrated Ash Wednesday Mass at Brookdale Champions Assisted Living for those who couldn’t make it to the service.

“They didn’t have anyone to help in their little nursing home. So I said, “Of course, let me help you.” That’s it, here we are,” he said.

The call came from a new 94-year-old resident of the house.

“I was constantly woken up by the holy spirit saying, ‘Do something for the people on Ash Wednesday,’” Marian Barthélemy said.

This came as a pleasant surprise to many residents who are unable to leave the facility.

“Oh, I just feel warm inside,” said one resident.

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