Saint Jeanne Jugan’s vision of family extended far beyond the Little Sisters and Residents. She believed that because God is our Father, all men and women are brothers and sisters—members of one family—and thus responsible for one another. She sought to involve people from many walks of life in her mission of hospitality. To provide for the needs of the aged poor, Jeanne Jugan walked the roads of Brittany seeking alms, carrying her begging basket. Knocking on doors, she asked for money or whatever was needed for the Residents.
Today, we continue this tradition of begging in Indianapolis. Our collecting Sisters visit local markets and businesses, seeking to provide for the needs of our Residents, just as Saint Jeanne Jugan did. They also visit parishes on weekends to speak about our mission, encourage vocations, and take up a collection to help support our home. Since Medicaid covers a small portion of the costs of care, this is how we raise a significant percentage of our operating expenses.
The generosity of the community in central Indiana is remarkable—it is because of this that we are able to provide such good care to our residents. In gratitude, we offer a Mass each month for our benefactors, and we pray for them every day.
