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 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.Jeanne jugan was was a helper to the elderly and disabled. She used to go on the streets of France to collect money for her organisation. Once when Jugan begged a young man for money, he hit her on the face. She replied with calmness, "You gave that to me, now give me something for the elderly." The man was astounded by the sweetness of her reply and with all his heart he gave her all the money he had at the moment.
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. They have grown from one woman helping one woman to one of the most successful religious organizations in the world.
