Guide for the Journey

Born in France, Jeanne Jugan (1792—1879) was gifted with an extraordinary heart on fire with love for God. From her youth, she gave herself entirely to God and to caring for the sick and the poor.

In the 1830s a small group of women began to form around Jeanne, sharing her ministry to the elderly poor. By her death in 1879, the community she founded—the Little Sisters of the Poor—had 2,400 Little Sisters in Europe and North America.
A friend and patron of the elderly, she is a role model for those who care for the poor, the sick, and the aging. Canonized on October 11, 2009, by Pope Benedict XVI, St. Jeanne is a gospel witness for our time and a saint for old age—and every age! Her feast day is celebrated on August 30.

The following excerpts from her “Sayings” challenge us to do everything through love.

Little, very little, be very little before God.

Remain little, hidden by humility in all God wants from you, as being only the instruments of his work.

It is so good to be poor, to have nothing, to depend on God for everything.

If you keep the spirit of humility and simplicity, never seeking the world’s esteem, then God will be glorified and you will obtain the conversion of souls.

Caring for the elderly poor
When you will be near the poor, give yourself wholeheartedly.

It is a great grace that God has given you in calling you to serve the poor.

Love God very much, so that you can look after the aged well, for it is Jesus whom you care for in them.

My little ones, we should always be cheerful, for our old people do not like long faces.

Making the elderly happy—that is what counts!

Be kind and generous!
Be kind, especially with the infirm. Love them well….Oh yes! Be kind. It is a great grace God is giving you. In serving the aged, it is God himself whom you are serving.

My little ones, never forget that the poor are Our Lord; in caring for the poor say to yourself: “This is for my Jesus—what a great grace!”

See how Jesus, Mary, and Joseph loved one another, all three, how happy they looked, with what kindness and gentleness they spoke to each other. In our little family, it must be the same.

God is so good…love God very much. All for God, do everything through love.

Refuse God nothing….Accustom yourselves to do everything
for God….Let us love God very much, that is all that is necessary.

When you feel helpless…
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.

If God is with us, it will be accomplished. God will help us; the work is God’s!