Homily for the 150th Anniversary of St Anne’s Nursing Home Stoke Newington. Friday 14th August 2026

Dear Sr Caroline, Mother Superior, dear Sisters, staff, residents, benefactors, members of the Association of St Jeanne Jugan, collaborators, families and friends,

Today, on the actual anniversary of the foundation of St Anne’s Nursing Home, in Stoke Newington, we have every reason to give thanks.

We give thanks for the benefactors, the Association of Jeanne Jugan collaborators, the work of Mother Provincial, Mother Anthony Francis and her secretary, the staff of St Anne’s, residents, and, of course, the Sisters who continue this mission with such fidelity and tenderness.

Today we celebrate and renew our, and your “Yes” to life: most especially to life that has become frail, dependent, vulnerable, and is looking forward to seeing God face to face.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the very heart of your mission: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love.”

And we also hear the Lord’s command: “Love one another as I have loved you.”

These words could almost be written on the foundation stone of St Anne’s.

For Christian care is not simply about providing accommodation, meals, medication or professional assistance, vital though all those are to human wellbeing. Our call is about remaining in Christ’s love and making that love visible to another person.

Our Mass today is a votive Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus of Nazareth is the human heart of the Son of God, a heart that reveals to us the depth of God’s loving kindness; a heart that accompanies, has compassion, and gives itself completely for others.

When we look upon the Sacred Heart, we see a love that does not turn away from human weakness. Jesus does not withdraw from those who are suffering, dependent or forgotten. He draws near to them.

That is precisely the spirit you seek to live here at St Anne’s.

Every resident who enters this home brings with them a life of immense value—a history, memories, joys, sorrows, achievements, disappointments, faith and hopes.

Our dignity as human persons doesn’t disappear because we have grown old, become dependent or need assistance. Our dignity comes from God, and therefore it can never be taken away.

Our devotion to the Sacred Heart reminds us that every person is worthy of love simply because they are a person loved by God.

This is why the Church rejects the mentality that regards the elderly as a burden or something to be put aside. Pope Francis frequently warned against the “throwaway culture” which can make people feel that, when they are no longer strong or productive, they are somehow less valuable.

The Gospel tells us something different. Jesus says: “I have loved you.”

He does not say: “I love you because you are strong.”

He does not say: “I love you because you are useful.”

He simply loves us. And that is the love you are called to offer here in St Anne’s.

When a Sister patiently sits beside a resident; when a member of staff takes time to listen; when someone holds a hand, offers encouragement, or simply remains present with a person who is lonely—then the love of the Sacred Heart becomes visible.

In those simple acts of kindness, the Heart of Christ is present.

Jesus also says: “You did not choose me; no, I chose you.”

Every human life is chosen and loved by God. From the beginning of life until its natural end, every person remains precious in God’s sight.

The elderly can teach us something that our world often forgets: we are not valuable because of what we can produce, but because we are loved by God.

Frailty can become a place of grace. Dependence can teach us humility, trust and compassion. And the simple act of accompanying another person does become an expression of the Gospel of Life.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus gives us the perfect example. His Heart was not closed to suffering. It was a Heart moved by compassion.

Therefore, when we accompany someone who is frightened, lonely, confused or nearing the end of life, we are invited to have something of the compassion of Christ Himself.

To care for the frail is to touch something of the wounded and compassionate Heart of Jesus.

This is why we say “Yes” to life, not only when life is healthy and independent, but also when it is weak, disabled, dependent or nearing its natural end.

We seek to relieve suffering with compassion, to provide appropriate medical care, and to accompany those who are dying with dignity, love, prayer and hope.

We do not abandon the person. When we cannot cure, we can still care. We can make sure that no one suffers alone.

This is a beautiful expression of the love of the Sacred Heart.

The world may sometimes ask:“What use is this person now?”

The Gospel always asks of us a different question: “How can we love this person as Christ loves them?”

And the answer is always: with dignity, patience, compassion and presence.

On this 150th anniversary we are grateful for all the years of caring, loving kindness and service of those in need.

To the Sisters, staff and collaborators: may your daily work always unite professional excellence with genuine loving concern. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus give you patience when the work is difficult and tenderness when someone is suffering.

To the benefactors and members of the Association: thank you for helping to sustain not only this home, but a culture of dignity, compassion and belonging.

And to all of us: whenever we visit an elderly person, may our presence say through our actions: “You are not a burden. You are loved. You belong to us. You belong to God.”

Dear Sisters, today we say again in gratitude:

YES to life. YES to the dignity of every human person. YES to compassionate care. YES to love until the moment of our natural death.

St Anne’s is more than a nursing home. St Anne’s is a place called home where the love of Christ is made tangible, a place where the elderly are welcomed, respected, accompanied and loved.

The charism of Jeanne Jugan reflects so beautifully the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Saint Jeanne saw Christ in the poor, abandoned and elderly. St Jeanne understood that to serve them was to serve Christ Himself.

May the charism of Jeanne Jugan continue to inspire this home. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus remain at the centre of its life and mission.

And may every resident, every Sister, every member of staff, know the embrace and be held within the merciful and compassionate Heart of Christ.