Community Life

                    photo by Greg Campisi

Christ has gathered us together

Christ has chosen us and brought us together, from all over the world, to share a common vocation as Little Sisters of the Poor and to be witnesses of His love. The permanent presence of the Eucharist in all of our communities is the center and source of our unity. Accomplishing our apostolate as a community is a great grace for us, for union of hearts is achieved in Jesus recognized and loved in the person of the poor.

Following the words of Jeanne Jugan, our fraternal community life has as model the life of the Holy Family at Nazareth: "See how Jesus, Mary and Joseph loved one another — all three, how happy they looked, with what kindness and gentleness they spoke to one another. In our little family, it must be the same."

The Congregation is international in its composition. The grace of living, praying and working in international communities reflects the universal nature of Christ’s mission. Together we learn to appreciate various cultures and to accept our weaknesses and differences. The reality and richness of our cultural diversity is a witness to the Good News of God’s love for all people.

In addition to times of personal prayer, we participate communally in the daily Eucharistic celebration, and pray the Liturgy of the Hours together. Our meals are taken together and our two daily recreation periods allow us to deepen the joy of fraternal life and to mutually enrich one another. Occasions of spiritual sharing and apostolic collaboration remind us of the living presence of Christ among us.