Tradition of Begging

Jeanne Jugan’s vision of family extended far beyond the Little Sisters and Residents. She believed that because God is our Father, all men and women are brothers and sisters – members of one family – and thus responsible for one another. She sought to involve people from many walks of life in her mission of hospitality.

To provide for the needs of the aged poor, Jeanne Jugan walked the roads of Brittany seeking alms. Knocking on doors, she asked for money and gifts in kind – food, clothing, wood, wool or whatever was needed for the Residents. She was recognized by the begging basket she carried.

Today’s collecting Little Sisters are known by their “begging van.” They carry on the tradition begun by our foundress as they visit markets and businesses seeking food and commodities to offset operating expenses. They may also be found at the computer, researching new avenues of funding and keeping in touch with our friends and benefactors.

With operating costs rising and government funds dwindling it is getting harder and harder to make ends meet. Medicaid and Medicare cover only about 60 percent of our operating expenses. In today’s economy we count on community support more than ever.

Jeanne always thanked her benefactors by praying for them – and she thanked God at the same time. “God has blessed me,” she said, “because I always thanked his Providence… What gratitude we owe our benefactors … What could we do for the elderly without them?”

Like Jeanne Jugan, we recognize that our benefactors are indispensable partners in our mission. And like her, we pray for them everyday!

Click here to give a gift.