Blessed Jeanne Jugan, 1792-1879
A poor French-woman who founded the Little Sisters of the Poor

    Born in a small, impoverished fishing village. during the time of the French Revolution when Christianity was being suppressed.

    At sixteen Jeanne got a job as a maid at the estate of a Christian woman who often visited the sick and poor, and took Jeanne along to help. This experience, her employer's example, and Jeanne's own relationship with God prompted her to decline marriage proposals, and dedicate her life to God.

    At twenty-five Jeanne gave away most of her meager possessions, and set out to serve the poor of Saint Servan. She supported herself by working in a hospital and caring for the sick and poor. Six years of this left Jeanne exhausted. She left the hospital, and returned to work as a domestic.

    At forty-five she began to work as a spinner, and donated her excess money to the poor. After two years, she set off to devote every aspect of her life to the poor. She collected money door to door, and began to especially care for poor widows. Jeanne attracted followers to this work, and the Little Sisters of the Poor were founded under her direction, and Jeanne served as superior.

Awarded by the French Academy in 1845 for her work with the poor. Jeanne was eventally removed from her position as superior by Father La Pailleur, the Sister's spiritual moderator. She retired to the group's motherhouse in 1852 where she lived her remaining years, a humble sister, doing works of charity wherever she could.

Born 25 October 1792 at Cancale, Brittany, France

Died 29 August 1879 at Pern, France of natural causes

Beatified 3 October 1982 by Pope John Paul II

Additional Information

http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintj43.htm

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Readings Little Sisters, take good care for the aged, for in them you are caring for Christ Himself.

-Blessed Jeanne Jugan