(1792-1879) This foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor lost her father at four, and her mother raised the family amidst anti-Catholic persecution during the French Revolution. She declined multiple marriage proposals and joined the Third Order of Saint John Eudes (see August 19) when she was 25. When Jeanne was 47, she devoted everything in her life to serving the poor, and when enough followers gathered to assist her, she founded the Little Sisters of the Poor, whose mission continues to be to serve Christ in the elderly poor.

“In the Beatitudes Jeanne Jugan found the source of the spirit of hospitality and fraternal love, founded on unlimited trust in Providence, which illuminated her whole life” (Pope Benedict XVI, canonization homily, October 11, 2009). Trust in God to do what we cannot is what the first three steps are all about. This is the “source” of Saint Mary of the Cross’ service.

“Little, very little, be very little before God” (Saint Mary of the Cross).

Reflection by Brad Farmer