The SS. Joachim and Anne Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Coney Island celebrated its feast day in style.
Msgr. Alfred LoPinto, who serves as the diocesan vicar for human services, and chief executive officer for Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, celebrated Mass for the residents, and then he cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the new Luna Café in the lobby of the home.
The new café has a restaurant feel and allows those who enter its doors to enjoy in style. The residents and their families also enjoyed a barbecue outside with a steel drum band and face-painting for the kids. Everyone was able to enjoy a beautiful summer day with loved ones.
Msgr. LoPinto said he felt blessed to return to the facility and take part in the feast day.
“It is the feast day of the facility and each year we try to make an improvement to the grounds,” he said.
Feels Like Home
“This year, it’s the café, and on the third floor we have an outdoor patio that will open soon. The people who are living here can help to make this place feel like home. It is great for me to be here today because I was a patient here myself just last year recovering from heart surgery. To be able to see how the place continues to grow each year is just wonderful.”
Lisa Denis, residence administrator, was very excited to have everyone take in the day.
“Well, of course, we are celebrating the feast day and had Mass, but we are also able to bring all the families together and have face-painting and cotton candy for the children to enjoy.
“We are also opening the new Luna Café to give the residents the feel of going out to a restaurant and enjoy it with their families,” Denis said.
“I think this shows the residents that they are in a facility with a lot of love, and staff and residents we are all one here in our own little community.”
Resident Margaret McDonough said she was enjoying the summer day.
“It just symbolizes the sense of community and to be able to get out and have a great deal of fun,” she said. “The staff here really cares about us and even the residents themselves have grown close and try to help out with one another.”