On Saturday, April 16th, Fr. Robert Joseph, OFM Conv led our Association Jeanne Jugan (AJJ) members in a day of prayer in preparation for their annual renewal of promises, which will take place on Saturday, May 7th this year. Along with those renewing their commitment as AJJ members, three new AJJ members will make their promise for the first time after having completed a year of spiritual formation.
All thirty who attended greatly appreciated Fr. Robert’s talks and availability as he shared with them the secret of St. Jeanne Jugan’s success in becoming holy. He encouraged them to be faithful even when it is not easy in today’s world, and reminded them that their purpose as AJJs is to share the mission of the Little Sisters of the Poor. This means loving and serving our Lord in the elderly as lay persons. To do that they need to draw strength from the Eucharist and the Mass just as Jeanne Jugan did. The Mass, the Eucharist, and her prayer life were the sources of her strength—both in good times and bad. She truly wanted to follow Jesus and to allow him to live in, with and through her. Father also encouraged the AJJ members to read and to listen to the information the Church puts out, and not to fall for everything the mainstream media produces about the Church. Some of the Association Jeanne Jugan members also shared how the Lord led them to join the AJJ as well as what St. Jeanne Jugan means to them and how she has helped them to draw closer to our Lord.
As Little Sisters of the Poor, we thank God for the help and support of our AJJ members. We pray for our three new members and prepare to begin a new year of formation some time in May with many others who believe the Lord may be calling them to serve him in the elderly through the Association Jeanne Jugan.
Association Jeanne Jugan Retreat