Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Jeanne Jugan (1792-1879)

Saint Jeanne Jugan, also known as Sister Mary of the Cross, was born in France in 1792. She and two other companions formed a Catholic community of prayer, dedicated to teaching the catechism and assisting the poor. Jeanne then set out to minister to abandoned elderly women. From this ministry arose a community called The Little Sisters of the Poor. Daily, The Little Sisters went door to door requesting food, clothing, and money for the women they were caring for. By 1879, the community had 2,400 Little Sisters. That same year, Jeanne passed away. She was canonized on October 11, 2009, by Pope Benedict XVI.

Reflection

Many cultures hold their elderly in high esteem, show them profound deference, and selflessly serve them. In our culture, we often forget to tend to the needs of the elderly, let alone care for them. Saint Jeanne Jugan, who cared for abandoned elderly women, reminds us of the immense importance of the elderly and of our obligation to care for them and love them. Do you have any elderly people in your life? How do you treat them?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, please provide companionship and assistance to the forgotten and elderly and show me ways that I can contribute to their well-being.