PROVIDENCE — The Little Sisters of the Poor Jeanne Jugan Residence of Pawtucket will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the sisters’ mission in the United States of America with a special anniversary Mass on Saturday, May 4, at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.
Bishop Thomas J. Tobin will serve as principal celebrant. Priests of the Diocese of Providence will join the celebration as we honor the sisters’ dedicated service in Rhode Island and beyond. All are invited to take part in this special celebration of the sisters’ mission, as well as a reception in Cathedral Hall following the Mass. The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is located at 30 Fenner Street, Providence.
The event marks the 150th jubilee anniversary of the Little Sisters’ arrival in the U.S. on September 13, 1968, 29 years after Saint Jeanne Jugan founded the congregation in France. The Little Sisters soon spread from Brooklyn to other U.S. cities and within four years, had established 13 homes for the elderly poor throughout the United States. Today, the sisters continue their mission in 27 homes across the country, ministering to the elderly in need regardless of race, religion or nationality.
The sisters trace their history in Rhode Island to 1881, when five Little Sisters traveled from France to open a home at the General James Estate on Slocum Street in Providence. After two years, they moved to Pawtucket to open the Holy Trinity Home, which was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Banigan. The sisters remained at the Holy Trinity Home until 1979, when they opened their current home, the Jeanne Jugan Residence located at 964 Main Street. The home currently serves approximately 100 residents, including 27 independent living apartments.
All are invited to join in this special celebration of the sisters’ jubilee year, which began in August 2018 and continues until August 2019. Those wishing to RSVP to the anniversary Mass and reception may contact the home at 401-723-4314. To learn more about the sisters’ history and mission in the United States, please visit the home’s website at www.littlesistersofthepoorpawtucket.org.
