Jeanne Jugan through the eyes of those who knew her

The life of Sister Mary of the Cross was an ensemble of virtues which were far from common: humility, patience, simplicity, respect for Superiors.
– Sr. Anne de la Nativité

Sister Mary of the Cross was out collecting one day near Dinan, when a man from whom she had asked a donation for her old ladies gave her a slap. Without allowing the slightest sign of offense to appear, she turned the other cheek by saying to him, “That was for me, but now, Sir, you will give me generously for my poor.” He gave her neither a second slap nor any money, turning over in his mind that only religion could inspire such an act. Unbeliever though he was, a short time afterwards he was converted and became a good Catholic. He himself told me this.
– Sr. Anne de la Nativité

I believe that she practiced virtue in an extraordinary manner…. She was most charitable.
– Sr. Veronique de St. Joseph

I heard it said that Father Le Pailleur and our first Mother General were once very perplexed about a certain decision to be made. They thought to ask advice from Sister Mary of the Cross. When she was summoned and informed about the matter in hand, she replied in her usual manner, “I am only a poor ignorant woman. What can I say?” On being asked a second time to speak, she said, “Since you so wish it, I shall obey.” And she gave her opinion in all simplicity. It was the best solution and it was adopted. She was always most obedient and respectful.
– Sr. Veronique de St. Joseph

While a postulant, I was walking along very rapidly when Sister Mary of the Cross stopped me and said, “You are leaving someone behind you, my Little Sister.” I turned around and, not seeing anyone said, “Pardon me, Sister, there isn’t anyone….” But Sister Mary of the Cross replied, “Ah! but God is there… He is letting you run on ahead, for our Lord never used to go so fast and was never in a hurry like you are.”
– Sr. Claire de St. Esprit

Sister Mary of the Cross used to speak with great gentleness to the Little Sister novices and postulants. She was recollected and always busy. Just to see her led one to God.
– Sr. Ange de Tous les Saints

On many occasions, I was edified by her humility, her spirit of poverty and, even more so by the piety with which she used to recite the Rosary in the sewing room…. Joining her hands she would announce … the intention for which the Rosary was to be offered: “My Little ones, we are going to say the Rosary for our benefactors. What thanks we owe them. Without them what would we be able to do for our dear elderly folk! Let us pray, and let us pray well.”
– Sr. Marie Lambertine

She grieved over the loss of souls, especially the souls of the elderly. Often, very often, she would say to us, “Sisters, knock, knock at the gate of heaven for souls.”
– Sr. Virginie Marie

She often spoke about God, and her prayer life seemed to be continuous. I always observed in her a great simplicity and humility.
– Sr. Blanch de la Conception

I suppose that she loved suffering and humiliations, because she was always very humble. I always saw her with the same equanimity. She treated each of us with very great gentleness. She loved simplicity in all that concerned herself… By her spirit of humility she submitted readily to her equals and to inferiors. Her countenance, which was always serene, showed that she was happy to suffer privations for Jesus.
– Sr. Blanche de la Conception

She lived in the presence of God and always spoke to us about him. In meeting us she said, “Work for God alone.” One felt that she spoke from the abundance of her heart. She was simple and always serene, one felt the presence of God in her soul.
– Sr. Angélique de Ste. Marie

In seeing Sister Mary of the Cross during the last months of her life, one felt so impressed by her great simplicity; she was going to God as to her Father whom she loved and cherished.
– Sr. Catherine de tous les Saints

Her kindness, her simplicity, but above all her humility impressed us all… She said, “Yes, God has been very good to me. It was he who did everything; I am only his humble servant.”
– Sr. Catherine de tous les Saints

Sometimes she used to come to the sewing room, assisted by a novice. Her visits would give us the greatest pleasure. In a gentle and quavering voice she would say to us, “Oh, my good Little Sisters, take the good habit of doing everything for God. He is so good!”
– Sr. Catherine de tous les Saints