Saint Jeanne Jugan trusted in Divine Providence. In her old age, she decided that the Congregation would never accept guaranteed forms of income. To do so, she felt, would betray our trust in Providence.
To this day, Little Sisters of the Poor do not accept any form of permanent income. Our survival for over 185 years is proof of the effectiveness of Jeanne’s unique form of strategic planning!
Just as Jeanne Jugan was recognized by her begging basket, today’s begging Little Sisters are known by their van as they visit businesses and markets asking for food and other commodities to offset operating expenses.
On weekends, Little Sisters visit parishes asking for support.
Fund raising events also contribute to the financial support of our Homes.
Benefactors are indispensable partners in our mission. And like Jeanne Jugan, we pray for them every day!
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?”
Begging: It’s Our Tradition
To provide for the needs of the elderly, Saint Jeanne Jugan was recognized by the begging basket she carried. She knocked on doors and asked for money and gifts in kind for her poor elderly.
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.
Jeanne sought to involve people from many walks of life in the care of the elderly, gratefully accepting whatever they could contribute in time, treasure or talent.
To an impatient benefactor who asked her why she burdened herself with all those old people, Jeanne replied, “We shall share them, Sir. You will provide for them and I will care for their needs.”
Donate to Little Sisters of the Poor
If you wish to donate to a specific Home of the Little Sisters in the U.S., please do so through that Home’s website by clicking on the link below.
