Whereas, The Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor began on a winter day in 1839 when Jeanne Jugan opened her home to an elderly, poor, blind woman. From this simple response of love, her work has become a mission which reaches the elderly poor in thirty-one countries throughout the world. Today, the Little Sisters of the Poor operate 202 homes worldwide in which they care for the elderly poor. Thirty-one of their homes are in North America, including Holy Family Home in Southwest Philadelphia; and
Whereas, In caring for ninety-seven residents at Holy Family Home in Southwest Philadelphia, the Little Sisters of the Poor attend to the whole person, nurturing them physically and spiritually. The Little Sisters of the Poor provide great respect and loving attention to all who pass through their port of safety; and
Whereas, On October 11, 2009, in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI canonized Jeanne Jugan, who is a saint for old age and every age and who exemplified a spirit of simplicity, humility and trusting generosity and gave herself entirely to God and the elderly poor. As our aging population continues to grow and dignity at the end of life is increasingly important, Saint Jeanne Jugan offers herself as a friend and patron of the elderly. She is a role model for those who care for the poor, the sick and the aging.
Now Therefore, Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor the Little Sisters of the Poor in Philadelphia for one hundred and forty years of service to the elderly poor in Philadelphia and congratulate them upon the canonization of their Foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan.
Further Resolved, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Sister Veronica Coyle, lsp, the Administrator of Holy Family Home on the occasion of the annual Spirit of Jeanne Jugan luncheon at the Union League of Philadelphia on October 30, 2009.
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