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NEW SAINT

Canonization of Blessed Jeanne Jugan brings message about end-of-life issues

Catholic teaching on life issues is increasingly counter-cultural within an overriding "culture of death," and Catholic officials have questioned the impact U.S. healthcare reform might have on the elderly.

In this light, the Oct. 11 canonization of Blessed Jeanne Jugan, foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor religious order, is occurring at an opportune time.

"It is providential that the canonization would happen when society is pro-euthanasia," noted Sister Joan Patricia Ross, LSP, administrator of Our Lady of Hope Residence, a home for the elderly run by the order in Latham. "The values of life are in the forefront. We have to protect our elderly residents."

The Little Sisters affirm that every person has value and they validate their elderly guests as persons of wisdom and experience. 

"It's their home," said Sister Joan of Our Lady of Hope, which houses 88 low-income seniors. "We try to create an atmosphere of family and live by the spirit of Jeanne Jugan. Her spirit permeates our house."

Saint's background
Referred to as "a saint for old age," Blessed Jeanne Jugan (1792-1879) grew up in a small town in revolutionary France, receiving faith formation in secret at a time when to do so was dangerous. As a young woman, she worked with the poor in a local hospital. 

In 1839, she gave up her bed to a blind and paralyzed elderly woman she carried out of the streets - the first of many poor elderly who came to her door. 

Other young women began to help her care for them; local residents called the group the Little Sisters of the Poor. Jeanne Jugan took the name Sister Mary of the Cross as the foundress of what became a religious order. 

Today, the Little Sisters care for 13,000 elderly in 202 homes across five continents. There are 30 homes in the United States. 

One in five Americans will be counted as elderly by the year 2030. Because many will spend their final years in institutions, the legacy of Jeanne Jugan is a crucial apostolate.

"There is such charity among the sisters," said Loretta Charbeneau, a 90-year-old resident and former volunteer at the home. "They are always pleasant and helpful. That's what I like about it."

Latham home
Our Lady of Hope consists of 48 apartments, a skilled nursing floor and a social adult day care center, and will soon have a medical adult day care center. Mass and the Rosary are offered each day in the chapel. Social activities and outings are provided by benefactors.

Needs are met through Jeanne Jugan's "begging basket" example. "Our Mother Foundress had great trust in divine providence and in St. Joseph," explained Sister Joan. "He will provide for all our needs." 

"Jeanne Jugan was a beggar for the elderly poor," said Sister Frances MacKay, director of development. "That's what I do to this day. My superior tells me every day what we need. I pray to Jeanne Jugan and then I go out. I'm proud to be a beggar for the poor and for my community. Jeanne Jugan's spirit is in the people who have helped all these years."

Patricia Brown volunteered at Our Lady of Hope for seven years before taking the position of human resources director. She is an Associate of Jeanne Jugan, a lay apostolate whose members make a yearly commitment to assist the Little Sisters. 

"You get to see the residents," she said of her volunteering, "which is what it's about. They are treated with dignity and kindness. You carry that spirit out with you into your personal life."

Faith journey
Ms. Brown will be among 4,000 delegates of the Little Sisters who will attend the canonization in Rome. She anticipates the trip "with great excitement and joy," as do five associate members, four residents and one sister who will attend from Our Lady of Hope. 

Pope Benedict XVI has stated that the canonization "will show once again how living faith is prodigious in good works, and how sanctity is a healing balm for the wounds of humankind."

Our Lady of Hope resident Charles Christiansen told The Evangelist that "it is going to be a great experience: Imagine being present in Rome when someone is declared a saint. What an honor."

"We should thank Jeanne Jugan for the opportunity!" affirmed resident Helena Kujbida, who will also make the trip.

Events in Rome include tours, evening prayer vigils, Mass and the celebration of canonization with Pope Benedict and an audience with the Holy Father. 

"I expect it to be an exhilarating and inspirational experience," said 86-year-old resident Dorothy Sweeney. "I am looking forward to it and very grateful for the opportunity to go."

"Divine providence had an integral part in [the canonization] so it happened now when life is not valued," said Sister Joan, who is praying that the event will show the world "the value of human beings from conception to natural death.

"Only God has the authority to decide the beginning and end of life," she said. "Jeanne Jugan will be a witness for the elderly poor."

(09/24/09) [[In-content Ad]]

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