In honor of the Feast of St. Jeanne Jugan, we would like to share a poem written by Clint Walker, one of our employees. Clint is a part of the kitchen staff here at Sacred Heart Residence. Clint knew little about the Little Sisters and St. Jeanne Jugan before he came to work here. Intrigued by the mission of the Sisters, he recently started reading a book on the life of Jeanne Jugan and was moved to write this poem.
St. Jeanne Jugan
In a small town called Cancale, in northern France, on October 25, 1792, it was perilous times and life was hard.
In this same place, date and time, a child was born, consecrated and destined to serve the Lord. She became fatherless and without any knowledge or foresight of what SHE WOULD COME to be. Jeanne jugan lived a very humble life, surrounded by poverty, sickness and misery. With a faithful and steadfast spirit, she did all types of menial work to survive the times of that day. From her early upbringing, she was devoutly taught to depend on God and to always pray. Although religion was under political control, she said her rosary daily as she developed faith, love, strength and fortitude.
At a young age her hand was asked in marriage, but a calling was on her life that she did not choose to allude. She knew that it was something special that she had to do, but for 47 years she did not have a clue. YET, she continued to persevere as she cared for the elderly, sick, destitute, and the poor. She was the foundress of the Sisterhood of humble servitude, which opened up a heavenly door. She opened up her home to an elderly, paralytic woman, also affected with blindness. And as she cared for this woman her life took on new meaning as she nurtured her back to health. This is when Jeanne Jugan realized that God had blessed her with something greater than wisdom and wealth. She took in others and went out daily with her basket under her arm begging as she cared for her elderly, sick, destitute and poor.
And wherever she went, God granted her favor and increased her benefactors who made provision for her store. Jeanne Jugan had such a sense of dignity, and undying heart of love, filled with gratitude. And when a potential benefactor rejected her requests, she remained humble, never was she rude. Jesus made it clear to Jeanne Jugan what you do unto the least of these my sisters and brothers, you do unto me. Now in over 32 countries around the world, Jeanne Jugan’s mission has flourished and opened up a great door. This door no man can ever shut, for now or evermore. They are named the Little Sisters of the Poor. It started with a small spark. Now the sweet, fragrant flame reaches higher and higher.
IT IS THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS AND MARY, ignited BY THE HOLY GHOST FIRE!
