A surprise delivery recently arrived at our door via the USPS: a large cylindrical package containing a World Map. At its center is our Foundress, St. Jeanne Jugan, surrounded by markings showing every Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor across the globe.
Where did it come from? We discovered it was commissioned by the Chicago Province for each of our Homes to prepare for the upcoming visit of Mother General Maria del Monte Auxiliadora in April 2026. We quickly had it framed and mounted near our front entrance, where it has already become a focal point of “surprise and awe.”
The reactions from our extended family have been heartwarming:
- Claudia, our Administrator, reflected on the power of faith: “One woman, starting from nothing but trust in God, accomplished all that!”
- Staff members, both old-timers and newcomers alike, expressed amazement; many had no idea how far Jeanne Jugan’s work had spread.
- Residents enjoyed a trip down memory lane, finding meaningful connections to places they once studied in geography class.
- A Volunteer of Irish descent was delighted to identify our “Ferrybank” location as the Home in Waterford.
- International visitors beamed with pride upon seeing the Little Sisters’ presence in their own homelands.
- Little Sisters appreciated seeing exactly where our recently founded Homes are located. “Look how many there are!” they smiled.
More than just a decoration, this map is a visual testament to Divine Providence. It shows how Jeanne Jugan’s charism of hospitality has blossomed from a single act of kindness into a global mission bringing comfort to the elderly on every continent.
