Saint Jeanne Jugan

Yesterday in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI canonized (formally declared the sainthood of) five people, including one woman. Jeanne Jugan was born in France in 1792 and founded the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Growing up in difficult circumstances, Jeanne was always attracted to serving the poor, but it wasn't until she was 47 that her mission in life became clear. She carried an elderly, blind, sick woman in from the cold and gave up her own bed to take care of her. A few friends, and more elderly poor people came, and three years later the association of the "Servants of the Poor" was formed.  In order to support this growing ministry, Jeanne (now known as Sr. Mary of the Cross) took to regular begging, viewing the activity as a way to help the rich find solidarity with those in very different circumstances. (One wonders if she might become the patron saint of development directors!!)

The last 27 years of her life were lived in near-obscurity in the Motherhouse, after a local priest took credit for founding the order and forced her out of any leadership role. She never fought back to get the proper credit. She kept focused on what she termed the really important things: serving God by making the poor and elderly happy. Isn't this a bit astonishing? She passed up numerous opportunities to tell her side of the story, so as not to be a cause of division in the young order (now called the "Little Sisters of the Poor"). And yet, by the way she lived her life, she positively influenced the young novices more directly than she would have as the Superior of the Order.

Perhaps this quote sheds some light on her heroic patience and humility:
“Jesus is waiting for you in the chapel. Go and find him when your strength and patience are giving out, when you feel lonely and helpless. Say to him: ‘You know well what is happening, my dear Jesus. I have only you. Come to my aid ...’ And then go your way. And don’t worry about knowing how you are going to manage. It is enough to have told our good Lord. He has an excellent memory.”

St. Jeanne Jugan, pray for us!