Drawn by the Charism: My Path to the Association Jeanne Jugan

By Mai Roland, LPN

I first heard of the Little Sisters when they visited my parish church to tell us about their work with the elderly poor. After the Sister spoke, I told my husband that when I returned to work as a nurse, I wanted to work with the Little Sisters. Later, I would indeed have the honor and privilege of going to work at Mullen Home. God is so good! I love my work. It is truly my dream job.

After several months of working here, I heard about the Association of Jeanne Jugan, and I thought, “Yes, I want to be a part of that!” And so a new part of my spiritual journey began. A year-long process of formation with Sisters, and my class of ladies is drawing to a close as we prepare to make our promises on May 7th. It has been a joyful journey following in the footsteps of Saint Jeanne Jugan. I am honored to join the AJJ and enter into the work and mission of the Little Sisters of the Poor in a deeper and more meaningful way. St. Jeanne Jugan has become such an inspiration to me. When I come to work, I remember her words: “The poor are our Lord;” and “Making the elderly happy is what counts.” I love the Residents at Mullen Home and I want to be a blessing to them. They all have amazing life stories and I have learned so much from them. I thank God that He has allowed me to be a part of their lives and a part of the work of the Little Sisters of the Poor.