A boisterous Santa Claus distributing gifts greeted residents, staff and volunteers gathered for breakfast at Little Sisters of the Poor’s Holy Family Residence in St. Paul Dec. 23 –– and it was a surprise when Santa lowered his beard, revealing himself to be Auxiliary Bishop Kevin Kenney.
Decorative invitations to the meal read, “Residents, I ‘Ho Ho’ hope you join me for breakfast! I’ll see you at 8:00 am Monday, December 23rd, Main Dining Room. Ho Ho Ho, Santa.”
Bishop Kenney’s Santa suit was made by his grandmother and worn by his late father, Bill, to spread Christmas cheer. Bishop Kenney has worn the suit as well.
The bishop’s mother, Dorothy, lived at the home for low-income adults until her death in 2022. As a priest and now as a bishop, Bishop Kenney has been celebrating Mass at the residence each Saturday.
As about 60 residents settled into their seats for breakfast, the bishop dressed as Santa Claus marched through the home into the dining room to the tune of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.” Volunteers, religious sisters and members of the Associates of Jeanne Jugan, a group that supports the sisters’ mission, helped distribute gifts individually requested by residents and provided by members of St. Ambrose in Woodbury.
Others at the gathering received Christmas stockings filled with bags of cocoa, chocolates and candy canes, said Sister Joseph Marie, who helped organize the event.
After everyone received a gift, Bishop Kenney accepted the invitation to join those gathered for breakfast, Sister Joseph said. Some helpers at the breakfast wore Christmas aprons and elf ears, she said.
“To complete this beautiful event, the bishop gave us his blessing and best wishes for Christmas and the new year,” she said. “A big thank you to our Bishop Kenney.”
