What shapes our governance is what our Foundress St. Jeanne Jugan always espoused: “Never forget that the Poor are Our Lord” and “Making the Elderly Happy is all that counts”. Holistic compassionate care of the Aged in our Homes is our life’s mission as Little Sisters.
Our three Homes in Australia are operated through a registered company called Little Sisters of the Poor Aged Care Limited (ACN 121 604 608). The keeper of the mission, vision and decision-making body, the Board of the company, is made up of the Little Sisters described here, who are supported by advice to the Board from various volunteer professionals. Those advisors are chosen by the chair of the Board, who is the Regional Superior of the Little Sisters.
Originally from Scotland, Sister Angela currently serves as Regional Superior for seven Homes in Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and New Caledonia. Before her transfer to the Province of Oceania, she missioned at our Homes in Scotland, England, Ireland, and France. Trained as a registered nurse, she was also responsible for religious formation work and was a member of the Local and Provincial Councils. Her experience as an administrator and formator is enriched by her current mission which entails regular visitations of the Homes.
Sister Rose Margaret is originally from Hong Kong. Her present mission is as Assistant Regional Superior, a position requiring her to travel on visitations to the Homes in Oceania. With many years of religious profession behind her, Sr. Rose is a registered nurse by training with vast experience in aged care in France and Hong Kong. In 2003, Sister was transferred to the Province of Oceania where she gained experience with aged care and general administration of our Homes in Australia and New Zealand. She has been assisting the Regional Superior since 2010 and serves as bursar of the Provincial Council.
Sister Marie Bernard is originally from the Philippines. While working in Hong Kong, she discerned the call to be a Little Sister. After her initial formation in the Singapore Novitiate, and first profession of vows, she was sent on mission to our Homes in Singapore, Hong Kong, France, the Philippines, and Australia. She has garnered experience as a formator at our Novitiate in Sydney and as a member of the Local Council in various Homes. Sr. Marie Bernard is presently responsible for the day-to-day running of Glendalough Home in Perth and Superior of the Community.
Sister Shanthi Mary is originally from India. After her initial formation in the Novitiate in Bangalore, and first profession of vows, Sr. Shanthi spent about 16 years on mission at various Homes in France and has extensive experience in administration and as a member of the Local Council. Transferred to Australia in 2019, Sr. Shanthi is currently responsible for the general management of St. Joseph’s Home in Northcote, Melbourne, and Superior of the Community.
Sister Lusia is originally from Samoa and has missioned in Australia and New Zealand. An enrolled nurse by training, she gained a wealth of experience as a clinical supervisor in aged care before entering the Congregation. In addition to her nursing background, she has also served as a member of the Local Council in the Homes where she missioned. Besides having direct care of the Residents, Sr. Lusia’s added responsibilities include assisting the Superior in the daily management of Mount St. Joseph’s Home in Randwick, Sydney.
Photos of Board members courtesy of Joe Vittorio Photography.
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