The Residents whom St. Jeanne Jugan received had themselves been reduced to begging. She asked them for the names of persons who had been kind to them and decided to go, in their place, to ask for help. There are many stories in our heritage of St. Jeanne the Beggar. And in each of our Homes, there are stories of the Little Sisters who have gone out in that area to ask for help. Often, we hear them from the people we meet on our begging tours and week-end parish visits.
Each of our communities has a designated "Begging Little Sister" who goes out daily with a companion to invite others to share our mission of Hospitality. We are all called, from time to time, to act in that capacity, seeking donations, gift in kind, grants from those who are able to share. At St. Joseph’s Residence, it is Sister Frances and Sister Michael who go to the markets, offices, parishes, businesses, and warehouses seeking help. They come home with not only donations but stories of the kindness they have encountered and the requests for prayers that they share with the other Little Sisters and Residents. St. Jeanne Jugan constantly reminded the young Little Sisters of our obligation of prayerful gratitude. Her words ring true in our lives.
If you would like to help us, take a glance at our wish list page for items that we always need to supplement our Residents’ needs such as personal care products, soft drinks, and gift cards. And be confident of our grateful prayers.
