Little Sister of the Poor

Little Sister of the Poor –  Sister Mary Gianna of the Beatitudes, P.S.D.P.                                                                                                        “Petite Soeur des Pauvres”                                                                                                            “If God is with us, it will be accomplished.”

Foundress:  Saint Jeanne Jugan  (Sister Marie of the Cross)

Place:  Cancale, Brittany, France

Year:  1839 A.D.

Her Charism:  The quiet elegance of Jeanne Jugan’s life and the charism of the Order is expressed in her own words to her Little Sisters . . . “Be little.  Be very little before God because the Most High Son of God became the humblest of men in order to be close to all.”  The spirit of the Congregation is the evangelical spirit of Jesus in the Beatitudes.  This Sister is a contemplative “Mary” and also caries on the hospitality of “Martha.”  Faithful to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and surrounding herself in simplicity and joy, she continues the humility of Christ and radiates gentleness, littleness, and love for the poor, especially for the elderly across the world.  Her life is made up of many hidden and humble tasks in service to the elderly poor in an effort to make them happy.  The accompaniment and care of the dying is the summit of this Little Sister’s vocation.  It is a powerful witness of the culture of Life and the merciful and compassionate love of the Heart of Jesus.  Receiving no income but is allowed goodwill offerings, she continues to beg for her poor and elderly who echo the plaintive cries of Jesus.