Karen Connair and the mother-daughter duo of Pati and Gloria Abad formalized their membership in the Association Jeanne Jugan (AJJ) on May 6, after a one-year formation program.
Msgr. Joseph Ranieri presided at a joyous Mass during which the three women and 17 current AJJ members, together promised to serve Jesus “in the elderly with joy and love, by following the example of humility and confidence left to us by Jeanne Jugan.”
In his homily, Msgr. Ranieri focused on the importance of the AJJ who serve as an extension of the Little Sisters’ work. “There are many ways an AJJ can spend time with Residents,” said Monsignor, “your main goal is to help the Sisters by making the elderly happy!”
AJJ members help to spread the charism of our Mother Foundress as active volunteers in our home, they serve as lectors and Eucharistic ministers, help with household tasks and meal service, and even host special activities in the Café for Residents.
“I was so grateful to be learning and in formation with Sr. Celestine, Karen and my Mom,” Pati shared, “one thing in particular struck me, how Jeanne Jugan takes an elderly, poor, blind woman from the street into her home and gives the lady her bed to sleep in. And now, so many years later (171 years) the Sisters are still doing this. I am truly touched by the charism of the community for the Residents. I look forward to being a part of this community and to spending Saturdays with the Residents and hope to assist the Sisters in bringing love and joy into their lives.”
The AJJ is a Catholic lay organization that provides individuals with an opportunity to share in the spirituality of the Little Sisters of the Poor.
If you are interested in joining the Association Jeanne Jugan, please contact me at admwashington@littlesistersofthepoor.org
