Little Sisters of the Poor |
The Little Sisters of the Poor arrived in Melbourne on 5 November 1884 and quickly set to work caring for elderly and destitute citizens from a terrace house in Victoria Parade, Fitzroy.
A few months later, land was purchased in St George's Road, Northcote for the Little Sisters to expand their work. For the last 125 years, the Little Sisters have continued to provide care to the elderly citizens.
Our Foundress
A French peasant woman Jeanne Jugan at the age of 47 in 1839, founded the work of the Little Sisters of the Poor - to care for poor and infirm elderly. She called for her novices to be two things: to be little in order to be close to the most humble, and to be close to make them happy. Jeanne was given the name of Sister Mary of the Cross, and her Little Sisters take four vows: chastity, poverty, obedience and a special fourth vow of hospitality. The Church has always recognised her work of hospitality to the aged poor. Pope Benedict XVI, in the act of ultimate acknowledgement, will canonise her as Saint Jeanne Jugan in Rome on 11 October 2009.
Our Work (Aged Care)
Faithful to Jeanne Jugan's founding charism of offering hospitality to the needy aged, the Little Sisters of the Poor we welcome and care for men and women of at least 60 years of age. The Sisters live on Divine Providence. With very limited resources and regardless of race and religion, the quality of hospitality that is offered supports their residents' independence and promotes a full participation in daily living in a family like environment. Today, the Little Sisters of the Poor offer hospitality to the needy aged in 32 countries around the world. There are four homes in Australia and two in New Zealand, with a mission home in Western Samoa and Noumea.
Our Celebrations
To mark Blessed Jeanne Jugan's canonisation and 125 years of service to the elderly in Melbourne, Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Hart on Saturday, 31 October 2009, 2pm, at St Patrick's Cathedral. The Sisters and their residents thank and pray daily for the people of Melbourne who have given magnificently during 125 years.
❊ Address ❊
⊜ 112B St George's Road, Northcote 3070 View Map
✆ Telephone: 03 9489 8444
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Little Sisters of the Poor
➼ www.littlesistersofthepoor.org.au
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