Resident And His Family Build Nativity Stable For University Nursing And Rehab
After more than 125 years of service to Evansville, the Little Sisters of the Poor announced in 2012 that they would be leaving the area and the ministry to the sick and elderly they had maintained in their nursing and rehabilitation home, which is located just across South Harlan Ave. from St. Benedict Cathedral. Their departure left the large Catholic community in the home looking for a Nativity set for use during the Christmas season.
Enter resident Ben Nellis, his son John and daughter-in-law Becky. When St. Benedict Cathedral obtained a new set of figures for its Nativity in the sanctuary, the parish generously donated its old statues to what is now known as University Nursing and Rehabilitation. The Nellis family built the stable for the Nativity scene, and an anonymous benefactor restored the statues. The Nativity is on display in the home’s St. Joseph Chapel on the first floor.
Sacristan Marcella Meredith, who has served in that role for some time, contacted The Message to let readers know about the generosity of the Nellis family, St. Benedict Cathedral Parish and the person who restored the statue. “There are many people who remain committed to the ministry the Sisters began,” she said, “and their spirit remains.”
Meredith said that St. Joseph Chapel is open to the public, and she invited the community to visit anytime, “but especially during the Christmas season to see our Nativity.” Father Ted Tempel, retired priest of the Diocese of Evansville, remains the chaplain of the home. He celebrates Mass daily in the chapel. Praying of the Divine Mercy chaplet and Benediction occur every Friday, and residents pray the rosary twice daily in the chapel. Meredith said there is an active Legion of Mary group at the home.
Masses in the chapel are set for 7 p.m. CT on Christmas Eve and 11 a.m. on Christmas Day. The Message thanks Meredith and the Ben Nellis family for their willingness to share this great story with our readers.
