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"Making the elderly happy, that's what counts"
St Jeanne Jugan
Welcome
Welcome to the website of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Oceania. Although our Province is linked by the sea, with three different cultures and three different languages, we are one in mind and heart and that bond of unity extends even further and forms the basis of the story that we are about to tell you in these pages.
We are an International group of religious women in the Catholic Church founded by St. Jeanne Jugan. Our apostolic mission is to care for the elderly most in need. Our spiritual mission is to be contemplatives in action, holding the elderly of the entire
world in our heart and our prayer
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By our profession of the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience we offer God our heart and affections, our personal talents and gifts, our possessions and our will, all that we are and have for his glory and the salvation of souls. In this way we live out St. Paul's challenge to the early Christians to offer their whole being as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
Our fourth vow of hospitality perfects the gift of ourselves to God and brings our religious consecration into the concrete realities of everyday life. It gives a spiritual value to the many humble tasks of hospitality performed throughout the day, and enables us to communicate to our elderly Residents God's compassion and merciful love.
Saint Jeanne Jugan learned from Saint John Eudes that religious consecration means to make profession of having but one life, one heart, one soul and one will with Jesus. She summed it all up so simply: "All for you, my Jesus!" This is our life's goal as we strive to be conformed to the mind and heart of Christ, so that we may do what is God's will, what is good, pleasing and perfect (cf. Rom 12:12).
Our consecrated life is lived in the heart of the Church as a public, corporate witness to God's Provident love, and to the humility and merciful love of the heart of Christ.
We wear our religious habit as a reminder to ourselves that we belong totally to God, as a sign and witness to others of our consecration and of God's presence in the world, and as a concrete means of living our vow of poverty. Our crucifix, worn under our habit, bears the words of Jesus in Saint Matthew's Gospel: I am gentle and humble of heart.
Spirituality
We have inherited a rich spirituality from our foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan:
Life of prayer
Our daily lives are marked by a regular rhythm of prayer, which includes:
We appreciate the value of silence as a means of cultivating intimacy with God. With this in mind, we strive to maintain an oasis of quiet and peace in our community areas. Our meals are usually taken in silence. We look forward to several moments of retreat throughout the year, for these help us to refresh ourselves at the fountain of God's love.
Union with God is the hidden source from which our vocation of love and service springs. It is the force which unifies the various elements of our life, leading to a dynamic balance between contemplation and action. This passage from our Constitutions says it best:
"We aspire to an intimate and personal union with Christ. We seek him, simply, in faith, hope and charity and discover him in prayer. His love urges us to serve him in the poor, and in this way to associate ourselves to his work of salvation. Thus, little by little, we will achieve in our life a profound unity between contemplation and action, since this unity dwells in divine charity which leads us with the same élan toward prayer and apostolic action."
As Little Sisters we believe that Christ has called each of us and gathered us together, from all over the world, to share a common vocation and witness to his love. Each day we cross cultural and generational boundaries to form one family in the Lord. Jesus Christpresent in the Eucharist and served in the person of the elderly pooris the center and source of our unity.
Saint Jeanne Jugan chose the Holy Family of Nazareth as our model for community life: See how Jesus, Mary and Joseph loved one another, she said, how happy they looked, with what kindness and gentleness they spoke to each other. In our little family, it must
be the same.
Each of our communities really is like a little family, where we share our joys and sorrows, as well as the daily tasks involved in our mission of hospitality to the needy elderly. We appreciate the grace of accomplishing our mission as a community and enjoy our daily meals and times of prayer and recreation, spent together as a family.
Our experience with the elderly enables us to provide our older Little Sisters with the care and attention they need. They, in turn, share their wisdom with the young and enrich our communities by their example of courage, joyful fidelity and trust in God's Providence.
"A community of Little Sisters, living in complementarity and unity, gives unassuming witness of the unselfish and joyous charity of Christs disciples. From fraternal life flows great apostolic energy; each one feels involved and no one acts on her own: her task is always the work of the hospitaller community. The apostolic mission is a strong bond for the community, by which all the Little Sisters come to share the same sentiments, in humility, peace and love for God" (Constitutions) .
Founding Story
A little fishing village named Cancale in Brittany, France was Jeanne's birth place. The date of her birth was 25th October, 1792. She had seven siblings and her father was lost at sea when she was a small child. As a teenager, she worked as a kitchen maid for a wealthy family In 1816 she refused an offer of marriage because, to use her own words, God wants me for Himself.
In 1817 she left home to work in the hospital in Saint Servan. In 1818, unable to find a religious order which appealed to her, Jeanne joined an Association for lay women founded by St John Eudes known as the Third Order of the Admirable Mother. Her life from then on was one of silence, prayer and practical charity towards the poor.
It was the winter of 1839 when she found Anne Chauvin. This elderly, infirm and destitute woman was carried in Jeanne's strong arms and placed in Jeanne's bed. From then on Jeanne Jugan belonged to God and to the elderly of the whole world; the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor was born. This elderly woman was followed by another and another expansion was rapid and by 1850 there were over 100 Little Sisters
The Little Sisters in Oceania
The first foundation was in Melbourne. On 5th November, 1884, after a sea voyage of six weeks, six French and two English Sisters disembarked at Port Melbourne. Sydney was next, in 1886, the Congregation already demonstrating the universality of its communities. There were five French Sisters, one English, one Irish and one American. The first house was at Leichardt. Another 2 years, 1888, and the first group of Sisters set off for Auckland, New Zealand. A few months later they received the first young New Zealand girl who felt called to share their life. The Province of Oceania was truly forming when the Little Sisters arrived in Noumea, New Caledonia on 9th February, 1897. Two weeks later they welcomed three elderly gentlemen.
In 1904 it was back to New Zealand, to Dunedin in the South Island, the 5th foundation. It was then the Golden West. The Little Sisters arrived in Perth, Western Australia in 1920. They took possession of two cottages in Adelaide Terrace. Western Samoa, the pearl of the Pacific, was the latest foundation in 1971. Homes were also established in Adelaide, 1912, Hastings, 1956, Drummoyne, NSW, 1956 and Kalgoorlie, WA, 1969. Due to less Little Sisters, these Homes are now owned and administered by other organisations.
On 5th November, 1884, the Little Sisters arrived in Melbourne. Six French Sisters and two English Sisters disembarked at Port Melbourne after a voyage of 6 weeks.
Their first home was two terraced houses where St. Vincent'’s hospital now stands. Within a few days they had admitted there first elderly lady. A few days later there was another arrival and from that time the work of the Little Sisters has never ceased to flourish in Melbourne.
It was soon apparent that a larger house was needed to accommodate the growing number of elderly.
In 1885 the property at Northcote was purchased, through the generosity of the people of Melbourne. There was a small farmhouse on the property, a three roomed weatherboard building of Baltic pine with a verandah on both sides. A Chapel, also in Baltic pine was built. The Sisters recorded that they enjoyed the sea breezes and had a view of Mount Macedon.
When this little family moved from Victoria Parade to Northcote, Cobb & co coaches transported the elderly free of charge.
In 1888 a large building project began. Donations and other forms of generosity abounded.
When the first stage of the building was completed, ninety elderly people were admitted in eighteen days. By 1890 there were two hundred elderly people and by 1892 this had risen to 300. Many of these elderly people were victims of the gold rush era. They had not made their fortunes and were now homeless.
As the elderly and infirm increased in numbers, so too the numbers of Little Sisters needed to increase. Shortly after the original foundation, two more sisters came from France and the first Australian girl had entered the congregation. By 1886 six more young Australian girls had joined the ranks and by 1887 this had increased to nine.
Over the years, extensions were made to the hilltop building which can be seen from afar, a landmark of Northcote.
In the early 1980’s it was necessary to move with the times and to build a new, modern aged care facility. The Official Opening of the Nursing Home was in 1983 and the remainder of the building was opened in 1988.
The original farmhouse and chapel are preserved in our grounds. In their new setting, the past is joined to the present, and we are constantly reminded of the aspirations and efforts of the pioneers who had a vision and worked so hard to achieve it. Now, more than a century later, Mount Macedon has faded into a haze, the sea breezes have gradually disappeared, the fields have been covered with buildings and the pipe track has become the busy thoroughfare of St. Georges Road.
We are the custodians of that vision of our early pioneer Little Sisters as we strive to live and transmit the charism of St. Jeanne Jugan into today'’s world.
In the 1880’s, Cardinal Moran of Sydney was instrumental in bringing many religious orders to Australia, and among them, the Little Sisters of the Poor. This second foundation in Australia commenced just two years after that of Melbourne.
On November 1st, 1886, seven Little Sisters disembarked at Port Jackson. Already the Congregation demonstrated the universality of its communities. This little community was made up of five French Sisters, one English, one Irish and one American.
The property that Cardinal Moran had acquired for a home for the aged was “Elswick House”, Renwick Street, Leichardt, former residence of the Hon. James Norton M.L.C. It later became the property of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart and today it forms part of the Catholic Education Offices.
On the evening of their arrival the Sisters admitted their first resident; a lady aged 74, in a much debilitated state. She had known the Little Sisters in Melbourne. The death of her husband plunged her into dire poverty and she came, quite confident that she would now have a home. This lady slept in the only bed and the Little Sisters slept on the floor.
The people of the neighbourhood soon became aware of the plight of this little community and arrived with furniture, food and willing hands to assist with cleaning and making repairs to the house.
The market collecting commenced immediately, and still continues today. Requests for admission came from all directions.
In 1887, suffering touched this little community. One Sister contracted typhoid fever and died at 34 years of age. Three more Sisters contracted the disease, but fortunately, recovered.
As the house at Leichardt was too confined for development, the outbreak of typhoid contributed to the search for a new property.
On July 11th 1887 a property of 6 acres was acquired at Randwick.
Two Sisters and a few residents moved into a little rented house to supervise the construction of a temporary timber home on the new property. In November, the remaining Sisters and residents moved to the new location.
In 1898 the foundation stone of a new building was laid and on 25th March, 1900 the Opening of the building took place. This building is clearly visible in photos of the Federation Ceremony in Centennial Park in 1901.
Extensions were made over the years. In 1919 the first two wings were added and in 1929 the laundry was built. More extensions were made in 1959 and 1965.
In 1969 St. John Vianney Villa for retired priests was built.
This rambling old building, said to have had the very latest in fire equipment, was condemned as a fire trap in 1980. It was demolished to make room for new and modern facilities. The present building opened in 1987.
Down through the years, the history of the house records wonderful descriptions of the Providence of God, the generosity of the people of Sydney and the hope, consolation and sense of human dignity brought to so many elderly people.
The Little Sisters arrived in Perth in 1920. They took possession of two cottages in Adelaide Terrace and set to work to make it habitable for the elderly. The Sisters of Mercy assisted them and gave them meals. Painters and plumbers came and set to work.
Once the Sisters procured some beds, they were able to live in the house. Gifts of furniture then began to arrive. The Rev. Fr. Treacy, C.Ss.R, Rector of the Redemptorist Monastery was one of the first to come and wish the community welcome. He brought with him, a large crucifix, a picture of Our Lady, a sewing machine and provisions for the kitchen.
The next arrival was the first elderly gentleman, in great need. The work in Perth had begun! The Providence of God was bountiful. People brought all sorts of gifts. The number of elderly people in need increased daily, filling the house to capacity. With thirty-three residents, it was obvious, once again, that a larger building was necessary.
Archbishop Clune gave the Sisters a gift of 50 acres of land near Lake Monger on which stood a building known as St. Kevin’'s industrial School for Boys. This school, founded in 1897, belonged to the Oblate Fathers.
On August 4th, 1921, the Sisters began packing to move to their more spacious Home at Glendalough. The St. Vincent de Paul Society helped to transport the thirty-three elderly people and paid for the removal of the furniture.
Again, extensions were made over the years. In 1970 a modern hostel for ladies was completed. This was a followed by a complex to accommodate elderly married couples, then a section for retired priests of the Archdiocese. In 1981, hostel accommodation with ensuites was built for men. A new 40 bed Nursing Home, Day Centre and physiotherapy centre was then completed.
Today, the charism of St. Jeanne Jugan continues and the Sisters are well supported by a dedicated team of staff, volunteers and Association Jeanne Jugan Members, who all strive to continue the mission of Jeanne Jugan.
The history of this foundation began in December 1884 when Bishop Luck encountered two Little Sisters in a street during a visit to Melbourne – just one month after the arrival of the Little Sisters in Australia.
This chance visit led to the approval of another foundation in Auckland, and five Little Sisters were to arrive from France sometime in 1886. But fate had it otherwise. The foundation in Sydney was made in 1886 and shortly afterwards typhoid fever struck the Sydney community. One Little Sister died and others were gravely ill. The Sisters destined for the Auckland foundation were then needed in the Australian houses.
In June, 1888, two Little Sisters arrived in Auckland to search for a suitable house. With the assistance of Bishop Luck and a benefactor, Mr. Darby, they found a house To Let in Hepburn Street, Ponsonby. This house still exists today. The Sisters had intended to return to Australia and await the Superior destined for Auckland. Once the house was found however, Bishops Luck said to them: "“If the house suits you, in the Name of God take it, and begin immediately your work of charity…”" The Sisters saw this as a clear manifestation of the will of God and so agreed. That evening, a letter was dispatched to Australia saying: “Send the Little Sisters to Auckland on the first available boat.”
When the Sisters took possession of the house, they first needed to wash and scrub and set up beds. There were no tables or chairs. Around lunch time, Mr. Darby, arrived to find the four Sisters enjoying sandwiches which the Sisters of Mercy had given them. There was no other food in the house. Two Sisters were sitting on a packing case, and the other two were sitting on a built-in cupboard. He was so moved by the austerity of this scene that he turned on his heel, with tears in his eyes, and returned some time later with a large saucepan and some meat and groceries.
A few months later they received the first young New Zealand girl who felt the call to live her life as a Little Sister of the Poor, and many more followed.
Time passed, and Providence continued to watch over the concerns and interests of the foundation. Every Saturday Mr. Darby would bring enough provisions for Sunday dinner for the whole house, and M Cauning supplied a casserole of stew every second day. It really hurt this gentleman to see the Sisters carrying bread, meat, groceries and vegetables. They used bags made of hessian and carried large baskets. He was determined, with the help of some charitably minded friends, to purchase a horse and van for them. This was realized on 5th November. Bishop Luck gave the harness and Mr. Cauning the horse and cart.
The collecting Sisters became a familiar sight around Auckland, as they still are today – and they are still received with the same generosity and warmth as those first Little Sisters.
The number of Residents continually increased, and soon, as was the case in every foundation of the Congregation since its beginning, larger premises were necessary.
In January 1889, the Sisters acquired five acres of land in Shelly Beach Road on which a timber structure stood. February 13th was the day of the move from Hepburn Street to Shelly Beach Road. This wooden house, together with a building constructed for the men in 1891 was “Home” until 1904 when it again became necessary to arrange for a larger building.
In 1903 the timber house was transferred to the other side of the road (Tweed Street) where it remains today, with alterations and additions, and is known as the “Harbour Bridge Motel.” Erection of the main building was completed in 1904 and there were further extensions over the years. In the year 1910 there were eighty two residents in the Home. This house was demolished in and a new modern facility is now in operation.
The story of the foundation of the Little Sisters in Dunedin began in England in the 1870’s: "“Anne, as much as you wish to dedicate your life to God in the religious life, it is evident that your health will not stand up to it….”"
The young postulant, Anne Mullholand knew this to be so, but it was a great blow to her. She returned home and began picking up the threads of her former life.
A few years later, Anne migrated to New Zealand and settled in Dunedin where she became housekeeper for Bishop Moran and Bishop Verdon successively. And so, it was Anne Mulholland'’s influence that brought the Little Sisters to the South Island. Anne first made her request to Bishop Moran, but it was not until Bishop Verdon'’s time that her dream was realized.
On 3rd December, 1904, eight Little Sisters arrived in Dunedin. The Bishop and Anne Mullholand expressed the desire that the future home be under the patronage of the Sacred Heart.
On 8th December the new Home was blessed and opened and the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the little chapel. The day was made complete when the Little Sisters received their first elderly gentleman; hence the work had begun. They now had Our Lord in the tabernacle and in the person of the Aged.
Soon building commenced for a larger home, and the large old Sacred Heart Home, Anderson’s Bay, which was completed in 1907, served the elderly of Dunedin well for the next 70 years.
This was the first of the old homes in the Province built in that era to show the wear and tear of the years. In 1970 it was declared unsafe and a re-building project was planned.
After much deliberation and for many reasons, the decision was made to find a new site. In November 1978 the Little Sisters and residents moved from the familiar surroundings of Anderson’s Bay to their newly built complex across the city in Brockville.
This home is situated high on a hill with magnificent scenic views for the elderly to enjoy. As always, and in every home, friends, benefactors, volunteers, families and dedicated employees sing the song of joyful giving and witness to the charism of St. Jeanne Jugan.
On the 9th February, 1897 four Little Sisters arrived in Noumea. We will allow those first Little Sisters to tell the story, as it is recorded in the Archives of the Home.
“"The house that was offered us was large, beautiful and – very clean. It is built on the slopes of a lush green hill and ablaze with the multi-coloured flowers that are so much part of these islands. From the house we can see the harbour of azure blue and the town of Noumea.
“We found the house already fitted with seven beds, chairs and several tables, as well as the beginnings of a linen store! The Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny kindly offered us hospitality until we were a little more organized.
“Our joy was complete, when on February 24th we welcomed three elderly gentlemen, one of whom bore the name Joseph. …The elderly were with us: Our Lord in the poor, lived under the same roof as us.
“"On February 28th, we received our first two women, and quickly the number of residents grew to twelve.
“Many of the first elderly gentlemen had been deported from France for their part in the Paris uprising of 1870. One, in particular, was very infirm and weak, but nevertheless, still maintained his revolutionary and ante-religious convictions! We prayed very much for him. …A few weeks before he died, he was converted and died supported by all the Sacraments of the Church.
“This beautiful foundation house soon became too small for the number of elderly seeking admission. In 1900 a well situated piece of land, with a small house attached, was acquired. This was paid for entirely through the generosity of the Bishop and our benefactors.
“In June 1902, we moved to our new house. Eight soldiers from the French Marine Corps volunteered their services for the transfer.
Thus, Mount Saint Marie became the Home for hundreds of men and women of New Caledonia.
In 19 a new modern Home was built and the elderly have the latest in comfortable accommodation, as they deserve.
