Mother General’s next stop after Kansas City was Mobile, Alabama.
Two of the well-known Azalea Trail Maids, the official goodwill ambassadors for the City of Mobile, came in their beautiful hooped dresses to help welcome Mother General and her companions.
On the way through the city they admired the old homes with their columned porches, and the trees and bushes along the way. They passed the archbishop’s house, the home’s annual vantage point spot for viewing the Mardi Gras parade.
“As we got closer to the front drive we saw a large welcome sign with an Azalea Trail Maid on each side waving to welcome Mother General and Mother Assistant,” the travelers recounted. “It was a lovely sight, but led to a good chuckle since, as soon as we had passed by we saw them lift up their hoop skirts and run to the front door to meet us there!” At the front door there was the usual presentation of cards, bouquets and well wishes from the Residents, staff, AJJ and volunteers, and, or course the Azalea Maids.
Their stay in Mobile included an introduction to grits, a visit from Archbishop Mark Rivituso, Archbishop emeritus Thomas Rodi for Mass, a presentation on Father Ernest Lelièvre and an appearance by the 2026 Mardi Gras King and Queen, Earl Purvis and Lois Eastman.
