One of the hidden gems inside St. Joseph’s Home is a small library across from the Chapel. It is cared for and maintained for our Residents by dedicated volunteers. On the shelves are a variety of books on the lives of saints, prayer and meditation, as well as many works of fiction and non-fiction.
On a recent afternoon, the library was the site of discussion about the life of St. Jeanne Jugan. Sister Mary Timothy gathered with several Residents to talk about the life our beloved Mother Foundress. Sister spoke of Jeanne’s early life in Cancale, France, when she lost her father and turned down a marriage proposal saying, “God wants me for Himself … for a work which is not yet founded.” Sister shared Jeanne’s compassion, caring for the homeless, blind Ann Chauvin. Sister told how the Little Sisters of the Poor were created as other young women came to assist Jeanne in caring for the many elderly poor who came to them seeking help. And probably most moving for those who were gathered was Sister’s own story and devotion of caring for the elderly for over 50 years!
How appropriate that in this month of March, dedicated to St. Joseph, our patron and protector, Sister ended her talk speaking of St. Jeanne Jugan’s deep devotion to good St. Joseph. Both of their lives were quite similarly ‘hidden’ while watching over God’s most precious gifts: St. Joseph watching over God’s beloved Son and St. Jeanne Jugan watching over God’s beloved elderly.
How well do you know St. Jeanne Jugan? Watch below!
An Afternoon with St. Jeanne Jugan