AJJ Pilgrims of Hope
Hope, the theme of Jubilee 2025, shone brightly on May 4 as our 27 Jeanne Jugan Associates, with participation in a special Mass, renewed this promise:
“In your presence, Lord Jesus, with your grace and through Mary’s intercession, I commit myself to the Association Jeanne Jugan of the Little Sisters of the Poor, for one year. I promise to serve you in the elderly with joy and love, by following the example of humility and confidence left to us by Jeanne Jugan.”
For Mary Frances Cantwell, Philly’s Pioneer Associate, this was the 61st time she has renewed her commitment. For Patrick Ireland, who completed the year-long spiritual formation program and made his initial Promise just last May, this was his first renewal. Pat Lo, the present AJJ Coordinator, along with Ray and Judy Coughlin and Cathy Moffit renewed their Promise for the 24th time. All have been and continue to be beacons of Hope at Holy Family Home and for their own families, friends, and coworkers.
This is strikingly true for our 11 Jeanne Jugan Associates renewing their Promise in Scranton. This sturdy group has persevered in “serving the Lord in the elderly with joy and love, by following the example of humility and confidence left to us by Jeanne Jugan” even after the Little Sisters ended their 110 years of presence in Scranton in 2019. Spiritually united with our Associates in Philadelphia, Scranton AJJs serve at Marywood Heights which replaced Holy Family Residence there.
Then there was another shining daughter of St. Jeanne Jugan, Martha Calad, the sole Jeanne Jugan Associate from our former Home in Totowa, NJ. She continues to be the dedicated IT Support Person for the Province. Martha made a heroic effort, after a delayed flight back from visiting family in Colombia, to join Philadelphia’s Associates at the Mass of Renewal.
At the dinner following Mass, Mother Celine Thérèse asked several Associates to share how they have recently lived their Christian Faith and Hope in personal crises. It was edifying to hear them witness to their experiences of the Grace of God in their lives. It was likewise edifying for us to learn what being a Jeanne Jugan Associate means to each one. This year, imitating St. Benedict who often asked himself, “Why hast thou come?” the Associates were encouraged to put in writing why they wished to renew their Promise on May 4, 2025. Taking time to reflect and formulate their motives proved inspirational for themselves and inspiring for us.
Jubilee Hope shines brightly in the lives of our Associates! Hope for keeping alive the spirit of Jeanne Jugan comes to life in the kindness and competence lavished on the Elderly. Their love for Jesus shines brightly in the prayerful and practical assistance they bring to the mission of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Yes, there is cause for jubilating in this Holy Year of Hope!
