Life of Prayer

Our times of prayer are woven like a thread throughout our day, giving it rhythm and sense of peace. They support our service of the elderly and we find that our service draws us to a deeper relationship with Christ through prayer. The love of Christ that we discover in prayer overflows into our mission whether it is lived out in direct care of the elderly, in the work of the collecting or in the quiet suffering of an elderly or infirm Little Sister.

The teachings of St. John Eudes (1601-1680) had a profound influence on Jeanne Jugan’s life of prayer. As a member of the Society of the Heart of the Admirable Mother, a third order founded by St. John Eudes, Jeanne readily responded to its Christ-centered spirituality and devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. This Christocentric influence endures today in the spiritual life of the Little Sisters.

Jeanne wanted our communities and homes to reflect the love, unity and peace of the Holy Family at Nazareth. She had a strong devotion to St. Joseph to whom she would present the needs of those under her care. St. Joseph continues his care of our homes through our many friends and benefactors.

Our day begins with meditation and Morning Prayer. We come together at the end of the morning to participate in the Holy Sacrifice of Mass with the Residents and others who wish to join us. During the day, each Little Sister prays the rosary and Daytime Prayer. She seeks the Lord in Lectio Divina and in another half hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Evening Prayer is sung at the end of the afternoon and the Residents often pray with us. The final prayer of the day is Night Prayer, prayed together.

A monthly recollection day and an annual triduum and eight-day silent retreat nourish the Little Sisters' life of intimacy with God.

“Little, be very little, hidden by humility in all God wants from you,
as being only the instruments of his work.”
- Jeanne Jugan