Serve.

Many of the individuals who find a home at Saint Therese are former teachers, principals, nurses, and Little League coaches. Many of them have spent their lives serving others, fulfilling a greater sense of purpose in life. Individuals like New Hope volunteer and tenant, Kevin Burns.

Kevin, a 91-year-old proud Marine and faithful Catholic, can be found escorting residents back and forth from Mass.  Kevin is easy to recognize by the ear-to-ear grin on his face and the roar of laughter surrounding him.

“I don’t care if you’re laughing at me or with me,” Kevin said with a smile, “just as long as you’re laughing.”

Kevin’s enthusiasm for life can be seen and heard as he shares stories of his beloved wife Christine, and his days in parochial school. He jokes he is 112 years old from the neck down, but from the neck up, “I’m still 26.”

Kevin simply enjoys serving others, much like his favorite saint, St. Therese of Lisieux. Kevin carries a picture of her in his wallet and when the opportunity arises, he shares the picture and the meaning of doing “small things with great love,” even if it simply escorting people in a wheelchair.  

“I just do it,” he said. “I suppose it’s a reflection of me; when I broke my leg and was in a wheel chair I needed someone to push me around. So now I just automatically push someone who is in a wheelchair, if they need a ride.”

Kevin also supports and volunteers for other organizations. Every Friday afternoon for nearly 30 years the former World War II veteran visits Fort Snelling. Kevin belongs to the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad where the group provides an honorable farewell to veterans who have died.

Whether escorting people to and from Mass, honoring veterans at Fort Snelling, or even just sitting down with a cup of coffee to chat with passersby, Kevin’s warmth and contagious smile radiates at Saint Therese.

"Somehow St. Therese of Lisieux stuck me here," he said with a grin. "And I am very grateful."