The the Little Sisters of the Poor
Jeanne Jugan Home for the Aged

Address : Pole Pettai, Ettayapuram Road, Tuticorin - 628 002

Brief History :
We, the Little Sisters of the Poor are an international Congregation dedicated to the service of the elderly poor which is sealed by our vow of hospitality. Trust in Divine Providence and collecting are at the heart of the charism of Saint Jeanne Jugan, of her spirit and of her mission. Jeanne Jugan, also known as Sister Mary of the Cross, was a French woman who became known for the dedication of her life to the neediest of the Elderly Poor. Her service resulted in the establishment of the Little Sisters of the Poor, who care for the Elderly who have no other resources in 31 countries, throughout the world. She has been declared a saint by the Church on October 11th, 2009. She was born in Cancale, Brittany France on 25th October, 1792. She had seven siblings and her father was lost at sea when she was a small child. As a teenager, she worked as a kitchen maid for a wealthy family. In 1816 she refused an offer of marriage because, to use her own words, “God wants me for Himself, "for a work which is not yet founded." In 1817 she left home to work in the hospital in Saint Servan. In 1818, unable to find a religious order which appealed to her, Jeanne joined an Association for lay women founded by St. John Eudes known as the Third Order of the Admirable Mother. Her life from then on was one of silence, prayer and practical charity towards the poor.

It was the winter of 1839 when she found Anne Chauvin. This elderly, infirm and destitute woman was carried in Jeanne's strong arms and placed in her own bed. From then on Jeanne Jugan belonged to God and to the elderly of the whole world; the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor was born. This elderly woman was followed by another and another… the expansion was rapid and by 1850 there were over 100 Little Sisters. The first foundation in India was in Kolkata. The first group of the Little Sisters of the Poor arrived in Kolkata on November 30, 1882 to be at the service of the Elderly Poor.

At the request of Bishop Ambroise, as the Golden Jubilee souvenir of the diocese, we were invited to the diocese of Tuticorin and we are serving them from 1975. Continuing the work of Saint Jeanne Jugan, our mission is to offer the neediest elderly of every race and religion a home where they will be welcomed as Christ, cared for as family and accompanied with dignity until God calls them to Himself. Saint Jeanne Jugan, said it this way, “Never forget that the Poor are Our Lord. In caring for the Poor say to yourself: “This is for my Jesuswhat a great grace!” Our lives are made up of many humble, hidden tasks. We serve the Elderly day and night, striving to meet their physical needs, to make them happy and to minister to them spiritually. We accomplish our mission together as a community, each one bringing her gifts and talents to the work of hospitality. The accompaniment and care of the dying is the summit of our vocation. It is a powerful witness of the culture of life. Consecrated hospitality is a witness to the mercy and compassionate love of the heart of Jesus. Following the counsels of Saint Jeanne Jugan, the Little Sisters of the Poor strive to carry out their service to the Elderly Poor with these sentiments. Always attentive to the elderly whom we desire to serve and love, we take into account the inner thoughts and needs of the Elderly.

The Little Sisters of the Poor, elderly Residents, employees, associates Jeanne Jugan, volunteers and friends and benefactors form a big family of Saint Jeanne Jugan. A great family spirit reign among all. The elderly people render various services in the Home, to one another and keep alive the family spirit. The employees are the close collaborators with the Little Sisters. In general, they sincerely love our Residents. Meals are served three times a day besides refreshments in between. The Associates and volunteers offer their help whenever possible. Friends and benefactors extend their help with financial assistance, so also by sponsoring meals and providing provisions & toiletries for the Home. School children and college students visit the Home and the elderly, some of them even do internship in the Home. Some groups conduct games and organize entertainments for the Residents. Many corporate approach us for CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities and offer their valuable assistance. Above all, God's Divine Providence takes care of all our Homes and St. Joseph, the Provider of the Holy Family and the Protector of our Congregation watches over us, his children.

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Text updated on May 11th 2023