For the Little Sisters of the Poor the feast of St. Joseph is a big day. They rely on St. Joseph as their protector and provider.
Many of us say that God provides, but the Little Sisters of the Poor believe it!
Unlike most nonprofits, the Little Sisters of the Poor do not have any endowments, trusts or other forms of permanent income. It is not the government or the Church that forbids them; it is by the intention of their foundress, Jeanne Jugan. Jeanne firmly believed that having large sums of money stored away and living on the interest would not be trusting that God will provide.
Continuing the tradition of Jeanne Jugan, collecting Sisters make daily visits to markets and businesses asking for food and other commodities to help offset operating expenses. When the Sisters have a particular need, they pray to St. Joseph. They believe that, through the intercession of St. Joseph, God will provide.
God entrusted Jesus and Mary to Joseph – Joseph became their protector and provider. So, the Sisters quite confidently pray, “God, allow him to continue to do the same for us.”
The Little Sisters of the Poor delight in telling stories of how St. Joseph has come through for them – sometimes at the last minute but always on time.
St. Joseph – patron, protector and provider of the Little Sisters of the Poor – pray for us.
“Allow him to continue to do the same for us”