Little Sisters of the Poor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Little Sisters of the Poor is a Roman Catholic religious order for women. It was founded in the 19th century by Jeanne Jugan near Rennes, France. Jugan had no intention of beginning a religious community, but she felt the need to care for the many impoverished elderly who lined the streets of French towns and cities.
This led her to welcome an elderly lady into her home and the work of the Little Sisters of the Poor began. Gradually Jugan built up homes in and around Rennes. In 1843, the community's spiritual advisor declined to let Jugan head the order and so she became an ordinary sister and model of humility.
Today the Little Sisters of the Poor serve in 31 countries around the world (including homes in Hong Kong, Taiwan and India) and continue in their original purpose of caring for the elderly. The Little Sisters wear a black dress and scapular, with a grey veil.
