In the week leading up to the feast of St. Jeanne Jugan, Residents, staff, and Sisters came together to present or observe small presentations about her life. The entire House split into five groups and each group presented on a different aspect of Jeanne Jugan’s life.
The first group to go included staff and residents from the fourth floor, the administrative nursing staff, and two Sisters. Their topic focused on the vocation of Jeanne Jugan. What made her choose the path that eventually grew into the Little Sisters of the Poor internationally? What is a vocation and how can it relate to everyone?
Their presentation was extraordinary, they focused on the early life of Jeanne Jugan and how she knew from a very young age that “God had saved her for himself.” The lights were dimmed and a resident dressed as Jeanne Jugan entered the stage to reflect on her life. A box placed on stage during each break, eventually made a full picture of words that describe Jeanne Jugan. Joyful, humble, selfless, love, faith, holy, dedication, practical, hardwork, and giving. Once the story was complete and we learned how the Little Sisters began, the group turned the boxes to reveal a full picture of Jeanne Jugan helping an elderly person. The true calling she had in life.
Once the picture was formed, the idea of vocation was brought to the present time while a Sister, staff member, and a resident all explained what each of her vocation in life became. Fourth floor resident, Mary Moorhead described her vocation as one that called her to the married life and raising children. “It wasn’t always easy and many times I questioned if marriage was my true calling. One day I realized that I truly loved my husband and family and I knew that my family life was the correct vocation.” Staff member Sharon Taylor discussed her desire to pursue a nursing career. And our own Sr. Rosario described her path to choosing a religious life.
Residents were impressed with the presentation and many said the box puzzle was their favorite part.
Stay tuned in the following weeks to read about the four other group presentations!
Life of Jeanne Jugan Presentations: Part 1