Expansion of the Congregation

In 1851 the Little Sisters crossed the English channel to make the first foundation in England (London). Two years later they went to Belgium (Liege).

Beginning in 1855 the Congregation experienced a period of rapid expansion thanks to the providential help of Father Ernest Lelievre, a priest who put his life at the service of the aged Poor.

The first American foundation was in Brooklyn, New York, in 1868. At the time of Jeanne’s death, forty years after welcoming Anne Chauvin into her small apartment in Saint Servan, there were 2,400 Little Sisters in more than 170 communities in France, England, Belgium, Scotland, Spain, Ireland, the United States, Algeria, Italy and Malta.

The first truly missionary foundation was made in Calcutta, India in 1882. Australia (Melbourne) welcomed the Little Sisters in 1884. The following year, they arrived in South America to make a foundation in Valparaiso, Chile.

Other foundations followed in response to the needs of the elderly around the world. Faithful to the spirit of Jeanne Jugan, the Congregation has always pursued this missionary élan. Today, there are Little Sisters serving the elderly in thirty-two countries on five continents. There are thirty-two Homes in North America, including a mission foundation in Gallup, New Mexico. This expansion of our apostolate to the ends of the earth is a source of vitality and mutual enrichment.

In many countries, new initiatives are being undertaken in response to the ever-evolving needs of the elderly. Independent living apartments, day centers and the possibility of welcoming elderly priests are examples of the new ways in which the Little Sisters strive to continue the spirit and work of Jeanne Jugan.

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