We all make mistakes.

Rich or poor, famous or not, everyone make mistakes. But there’s one common denominator: we’d all like to be forgiven.

Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee was fortunate enough to be forgiven for one of his “sins” recently by a very well-respected religious organization: the Sacred Heart Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Gee, who visited the Sacred Heart Home for the Aged in Oregon Wednesday, had the distinction of being “forgiven” by the facility’s administrator, Mother Cecilia Sartorius, for comments he made last November when he referenced the organization’s name in a not-so-flattering manner when discussing college football.

Nine months ago, Gee made an off-hand remark about how college football programs like TCU and Boise State didn’t deserve to play in the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) title game because they, unlike Ohio State and other major programs, don’t play a difficult schedule.

Gee infamously remarked, “We (OSU) do not play the Little Sisters of the Poor,” but rather a schedule that, “is like murderer’s row every week.”

After making those remarks, Gee, who admitted he was unaware of the organization itself at the time, wrote a letter to Mother Cecilia in December stating his sorrow for the remarks. The correspondence between the two provoked the thought of him making a visit to the facility, which finally came to fruition.

Gee, who was President of Ohio State once before from 1990 thru ‘98, has also served as President of a few other prestigious universities, including Brown (1998-2000) and Vanderbilt (2001-07), where he served before returning to OSU for his second stint.

The ceremony was a pleasant and engaging event that saw approximately 75 residents, employees, students and faculty greet Gee at 11 a.m. who, shortly thereafter, was given a tour of the premises. Afterwards, he gave a speech, answered questions and spoke with people individually. A complimentary lunch was then served for the visiting students and faculty. 

“As you know, I’ve made you famous,” he told the residents and staff members during his speech, which was part of the Summer Tour he is taking throughout the state with OSU faculty and students.

Gee, who said that he extended an invitation to a group of nuns, employees and volunteers from the Sacred Heart Home for the Sept. 10 home game versus the University of Toledo, was given a white bow tie by the nuns as a token of their appreciation.

Towards the end of his speech, Sister Cecilia whispered into Gee’s ear that he was, indeed, forgiven, to which he remarked, “Does everyone hear that I’m forgiven?! My day of penance is over!”

While many have heard of the Little Sisters of the Poor, not everyone is quite sure of who they are and what it is this generous organization does.

The Little Sisters of the Poor is a Roman Catholic religious order for women whose mission it is to “consecrate themselves exclusively to the service of the elderly poor.” The organization was founded in the 19th century by Saint Jeanne Jugan because of her strong desire to care for the impoverished elderly people living in her native France. Jugan, also known as Sister Mary of the Cross, was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on Oct. 9, 2009, thus recognizing her status as a saint.

Located at 930 S. Wynn Road just off of State Route 2, the Sacred Heart Home cares for 74 patients around the clock, seven days a week. According to Sister Cecilia, because money is so hard to come by, during most months the facility is operated at a deficit, further stressing the need the organization has for monetary donations and for volunteers.

The Little Sisters of the Poor serve in 31 countries throughout the world, and have 30 homes in the United States, including three in Ohio (the others being Cleveland and Cincinnati).

Gee’s comments have actually been something of a blessing in disguise, being that he has unintentionally created free advertisement for the organization.

“Out of inadvertent humor can come great deeds,” said Gee, who professed his desire to to continue to advocate for the organization.

But besides talking about the great things the organization does, Gee has backed it up as well. After making his well-known comments last fall, Gee sent a contribution to the organization. 

In the end, Sister Cecilia summed up the organization, its worthy cause and how this event and the hoopla surrounding Gee’s previous comments have helped to raise awareness about the organization.

“We’re very humble people,” she said. “We take care of the poor and try to reach out to get support (for the organization). This (event) has opened whole new doors for us.”

If you would like information about volunteering or making a donation to the Sacred Heart Home, please call 419-698-4331 or visit their website www.littlesistersofthepoornwohio.org.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed