Up Close & Personal

This post provides a close up of one example of the actions undertaken locally every day by the HVM Sisters in Detroit. These young ladies are sometimes referred to a “retired” but that is a semantic mistake. There’s nothing retired about how they use their days … they devote their energies to the same mission and principles that have guided their action choices for a lifetime – reaching out to the marginalized, serving others, and being witness to universal love.

Sr. Fiorentina D’Amore HVM volunteers every Tuesday and Saturday to work at the St. Christine Kitchen and Food Pantry, both on Fenkell Rd. in Detroit. The Kitchen and Pantry assist the most vulnerable local residents with hot lunches and bags of groceries. They operate as part of St. Christine Christian Services (SCCS) under the sponsorship of Christ the King Catholic Church parish, Detroit. Deep respect and dignity for their clients is a central part of the SCCS mission.

Sr. Fiorentina and David Brauer Director of St. Christine Kitchen

Kitchen opens at 2 pm

Sister Fiorentina’s Italian heritage is well utilized at the Kitchen. Her knowledge of vegetables is vast and she is an incredible cook. She is known for teaching the clients at St. Christine about healthy food choices and how best prepare them. Mama Mia! St. Christine is most grateful for Sr. Fiorentina’s commitment to serve those in need.

Line up in kitchen

Family at table

Pantry staff volunteers: Tina Marie, Maureen, Barbara, Sr. Fiorentina, Virginia

Sr. Fiorentina entering Pantry

Bags all packed and ready with canned goods

Mother children and grand children

In addition to her organizing and hard physical labor, Sr. Fiorentina reaches out to individually every person to ensure a personal encounter – a personal presence of unconditional love and kindness. This reaching out in a personal encounter is the HVM way.