Little Sisters celebrate canonisation of foundress

The Little Sisters of the Poor are celebrating the canonisation of their foundress Jeanne Jugan on Sunday. The ceremony will be held in Rome.

Born in Cancale, in Ille-et-Vilaine in France, on October 25, 1792, Jeanne Jugan greatly influenced young postulants and novices, whose life she shared during 27 years, first at the home in Rennes, and later at La Tour Saint Joseph, the motherhouse of the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor.

The Sisters, who are immensely devoted to their foundress, wish to make her better known and to spread devotion to her, as she grants many graces. They also wish to make their congregation and charism of caring for the elderly poor throughout the world better known in view of future vocations.

In Malta, the congregation have one home and the community is made up of 12 Sisters of five nationalities. They look after over 70 elderly residents and have been in Malta since 1878.

A few years ago, a new home was built to replace the old one in Ħamrun. The Sisters took a loan, which they are repaying with the help of their benefactors. Two Sisters go begging every day, asking for help in money and in kind.

The Little Sisters invite the public to join them in celebrations that will mark the canonisation of their foundress. A prayer vigil will be held on Saturday at 9 p.m. at St Paul's Home, Hamrun; a Mass in honour of St Jeanne Jugan will take place on Sunday at 6 p.m. at St Cajetan's parish church, Ħamrun; and a thanksgiving Mass will be held on October 25 at 4.30 p.m. at St Johns Co-Cathedral, Valletta.