The archbishop of Boston greeted guests at Pine Street Inn Saturday afternoon, saying grace before their Christmas Eve luncheon and wishing them a Merry Christmas.
“Bless especially those who are struggling with homelessness,’’ Cardinal Seán O’Malley said, giving thanks for the shelter and for the people who work and volunteer with the homeless there.
O’Malley said before the luncheon that many challenges “we face as a society are depicted right here at Pine Street Inn.’’
“The housing shortage, the lack of decent jobs for people, problems of mental health, addiction,’’ he said. “I’m happy to call attention to the wonderful work that’s being done here and the challenges that we all face as a society.’’
About 400 people were served at the festive luncheon, which included orange-glazed ham, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and corn bread.
Approximately 200 volunteers helped with preparations throughout the week, and many returned Saturday to help serve the meal, said Lyndia Downie, executive director of Pine Street Inn.
Henry Lutz, 8, volunteered with several family members, including his sister and parents. He said the afternoon was fun because he was given a chance to help out others.
“We just wanted to do something,’’ he said. “I hope they stay healthy. I hope Santa brings them good things, like a house.’’
Downie said a couple guests at the luncheon moved out of Pine Street Inn and into their own homes over the last year. They returned for this year’s luncheon to see old friends, she said.
“I was happy to see them but jokingly, I said, ‘Glad to see you, but don’t stay,’’’ she said.
“It’s a very tough holiday if you’re homeless,’’ she added. “Having the cardinal here and sending a message that people haven’t forgotten about you matters a lot.’’
And it’s a message many guests at Pine Street Inn said they appreciated.
Ronald Morel, 68, a Vietnam veteran who has been living at Pine Street Inn for about five months, said he was impressed by O’Malley’s Christmas Eve visit.
“People here don’t have much, or nothing at all,’’ he said. “It gives them a little ray of hope to know that someone of his status took the time to come out.’’
Felicia Gans can be reached at felicia.gans@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @FeliciaGans.
