9/23/09 Little Sisters of the Poor, Somerville, MA

Little Sisters of the Poor
186 Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02143-1595
(617) 776-4420

www.littlesistersofthepoor.org

About the little Sisters of the Poor:

Mission of Hospitality

In 1939 the future Pope John XXIII was so struck by what he witnessed in one of our homes that he wrote to the Vatican: “Every day I witness with my own eyes the edifying spectacle of the survival of the spirit of simplicity, humility and inexhaustible and trusting generosity that the Little Sisters still offer today in Constantinople… It is as though certain traits of their blessed Mother Foundress shine in each one of them.” Thanks to Jeanne’ presence among us, we are able to continue her spirit as we pursue our mission of hospitality today.

Author and Speaker Lillian Lambert tells the Seniors of the Little Sisters of the Poor about how she overcame her obstacles in life. Please visit Lillian's WebSite at: www.LillianLincolnLambert.com


Helena Nyman and Lillian Lambert talk to the Seniors and let them be the Stars of the Day by conducting interviews to learn about their life stories.

Modern Art made by the Seniors

Spanky, the Hope Dog visits with the Seniors

On hearing about the upcoming Canonization, Cardinal Francis George, O.M.I., reflected, “As the Church anticipates the canonization of Jeanne Jugan, the Foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor, we might recall the words of Pope John Paul II at her beatification: ‘God could glorify no more humble a servant than she!’ The quiet but eloquent radiance of her life continues to shine out in the lives of the Little Sisters of the Poor today.

These residences are icons of mercy where Christ is welcomed and served in the elderly poor with the utmost respect for their dignity. May God be praised and may the entire Church rejoice at the public proclamation of the extraordinary holiness of Jeanne Jugan.” Nothing means more to us than continuing the spirit and work of Jeanne Jugan in the world today – welcoming the needy elderly into our homes, forming one family with them, enabling them to enjoy life and caring for them with love and respect until the moment God calls them home!

The care of the dying has always been the summit of our apostolate and it is an ever more powerful witness of the culture of life. By the look in his eyes or by the silence of his whole being, the elderly person who is near death asks us this question: “Does my life still have any value? Is it worth living?” To each person we respond with a resounding yes!

Fast facts about the Little Sisters of the Poor today:

• currently 2,700 Little Sisters;
• over 13,000 elderly residents currently served;
• 202 homes;
• 32 countries;
• 31 homes in North America and 8 in Oceania (Our most recent foundations: Bolinao, Philippines (2007); Tacna, Peru (2006); Manila, Philippines (2004); Jabalpur, India (2004); Cartago, Colombia (2003); and Kwanju, South Korea (2000)
• Our homes are open to needy seniors 60 years and older
• We welcome the elderly regardless of race, religion or national origin
• As Little Sisters we profess vows of chastity, poverty, obedience – and a special 4th vow of hospitality
• By this vow we dedicate our whole lives to the service of the needy elderly
• We are grateful for the support of over 2,000 lay members of the Association Jeanne Jugan around the world
• Just as Jeanne Jugan did, we rely on God’s Providence – manifested through the generosity of good people in the community – for the survival of our mission