ANNOUNCING THE 2022 RECIPIENT of
The “LITTLE FLOWER” Award
Dahlia Cousineau
The “Little Flower” Award is given to an exemplary young adult who serves either their local community or the larger human family by practicing Saint Thérèse of Lisieux’s “little way,” namely, by doing small things, with great love.
Dahlia Cousineau
Who knows when a life of faithful service begins? For Dahlia Cousineau, she can pinpoint it to about 18 months of age, when she began the 8:00 A.M. Mass tradition of children bringing up the gifts to the altar most Sundays. Now, Dahlia is a High Honors Senior at Tenafly High School, an accomplished ballet dancer and, if that isn’t enough, a Varsity Lacrosse player.
Dahlia’s service to others began at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. “Our Lady of Mount Carmel has been a place where I was able to flourish, from bringing the collection basket up to the altar, to looking forward to the Giving Tree every Christmas, to altar serving! The Giving Tree tags are a symbol of hope and love and a representation of the generosity of our parish,” she says. As a child, Dahlia’s youthful curiosity and excitement are lessons she carried with her. When the unforeseen occurred and the world experienced a lockdown for a medical emergency not seen in a century, the Giving Tree ministry was put on hiatus. Then, there was Dahlia at the ready.
It started out as just Dahlia and a friend but eventually blossomed into “Teens of Siena House,” a committee of ten dedicated students who fundraise and provide gifts and other supplies to the women and children of Siena House in the Bronx. She currently has several freshmen and middle school students on the committee, ensuring that Siena House is covered for years to come. “My commitment to start the ‘Teens of Siena House’ during the pandemic stems from this hope [found at Our Lady of Mount Carmel]. It is rewarding to be able to help the women at Siena House and I have learned that even the smallest token is very much appreciated.”
For Dahlia, she doesn’t see younger parishioners as the “next generation” of Catholics but as current members of the community. “The younger generation is an important part of the parish and can make a difference!” she says. We couldn’t agree with her more.