91-Year-Old New Catholic Experiences ‘Blessed’ Event

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Daisy Jefferson called it a “real blessing.’’

Dressed in white, the 91-year-old was baptized, confirmed and received first Communion at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Harlem as the congregation celebrated the feast of Pentecost on May 15.

“I’ve been to all the different churches and seemed to enjoy the Catholic service more,’’ Ms. Jefferson told CNY. “I like the way they worship.

“I’ve been visiting the Catholic church for quite a while because my niece belongs to the church. To be a part of it makes me feel good.”

Ms. Jefferson received the sacraments in front of family and friends. Her niece, Rita Burns of Yonkers, said there were 10 family members present.

“Everybody came out and was moved by the entire service,” said Ms. Burns, coordinator of Eucharistic ministry at St. Charles Borromeo.

“We will cherish it. She was so joyful. Looking at her coming to the altar before the priest waiting to receive confirmation and looking forward to receiving the Body and Blood of Christ was the memorable part for me.”

Ms. Jefferson was baptized and confirmed following the homily. She received first Communion before the congregation received Communion.

“She had to be the eldest person I’ve ever baptized in my 23 years as a priest,” said Father Gregory Chisholm, S.J., pastor of St. Charles Borromeo and All Saints parish and dean of the Central Harlem Deanery.

“Her eyes were expressive,” he said. “Anytime I looked at her, she was locked right one to me and her eyes were not wandering. They were focused. It was really something.

“It was a great celebration for her and our community. It was a great way to put an important significant word on everything we were trying to achieve that day.”

Individuals who are entering the Catholic faith usually receive the three sacraments at the Easter Vigil, but Ms. Jefferson was not ready then. She was still learning the faith from Father Anthony Iroh of St. Charles Borromeo. He visited Ms. Jefferson at her residence each week for three months, spending up to three hours on a visit.

“Based on the time we spent together, she told me she always wanted to be closer to God,” Father Iroh said. “She wanted to know more about what it is to know God and what it means to receive the sacraments in the Catholic faith. She was eager to learn and fascinated to learn something new about the faith.

“She expressed over and over again if she had known what all this means, she would have done this earlier.”

Ms. Burns is planning to add an extra stop following Sunday Mass if her aunt is unable to attend.

“When she’s not able to come to church, I can bring Communion to her,” Ms. Burns said.