A beautiful ceremony took place at Villa Maria Fortitude Valley Residential Aged Care to mark the Official Opening and Blessing of the Home with residents, staff, family and community members gathering to celebrate the occasion.
The Blessing was conducted by The Most Reverend Mark Coleridge, Archbishop of Brisbane (pictured above with Beth Kitoli, Residential Manager and Villa Maria residents) with Father Fadi Salame, Parish Priest from St Maroun’s Maronite Church also in attendance. The Official Opening included addresses by Dr Peter Steane MSC, Chair of Trustees; Belinda Moyes, Interim CEO; as well as Stephen Teulan, Board Chair Designate, Catholic Healthcare.
The Most Reverend Mark Coleridge, Archbishop of Brisbane with resident Carmel
The home has a rich history, started by the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, who for over a hundred years served vulnerable people in the local community. Sister Elizabeth ably led a beautiful performance of Panis Angelicus by Villa Maria’s choir.
Located in the heart of Brisbane, Villa Maria is a beautifully refurbished, grand heritage-listed home, with sweeping views across the city. Villa Maria accommodates 127 residents and includes a memory support unit, a superb Chapel built in the 1920s, a gym, hairdressing salon, a library and a lovely outdoor garden area for residents and families to enjoy.
Villa Maria resident, Philomena “loves the friendships, fun and sense of community”.
Meg, a Care Worker from Villa Maria who is currently completing Nursing studies, summed up how she feels about her role; “I love it… I love getting to know the residents stories, the team is great to work with and the Home feels like a little community. I like seeing the residents build friendships, enjoy activities and being able to do the things they love to do.”
Meg pictured with Belinda Moyes, Interim CEO, Catholic Healthcare
The Blessing and Official Opening ceremony was followed by exquisite refreshments from Villa Maria’s talented Chef Cieron in the sunny courtyard.
Sr Marie Dowling with Stephen Teulan, Chair Designate, Catholic Healthcare Limited
Pastoral Care Coordinators Des and Michele