Common to communities of religious sisters are the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. These vows invite the sister to live like Jesus who gave up all things for the sake of His mission, who lived unmarried in order to devote himself to the service of all, and who sought always to do the will of His heavenly father.

Some sisters take a fourth vow which indicates the special mission of their community. The Little Sisters of the Poor, founded in France in 1839 take a vow of "hospitality," committing themselves to share their homes and their lives with the elderly poor. They do this in imitation of their foundress, Blessed Jeanne Jugan, who began the work of the community when she carried an elderly woman up the stairs of her home, and placed her in her own bed.

In a very short time 12 elderly women found a home under Jeanne's own roof. Joined in the work by companions who were eager to share in the work of caring for the aged poor Jeanne found herself responsible for the upkeep of a "little family." Depending only on the providence of God, Jeanne Jugan went out with a basket over her arm asking for the provisions she needed for her old people and her sisters. This tradition continues to this day. Each day two Little Sisters set out to ask for food and items needed for the home. The mode of transportation has progressed from horse and wagon to car or minivan, but the mission is the same: to draw others into a work of charity done for love of God and neighbor.

Known first as "Servants of the Poor," Jeanne and her companions became known as "The Little Sisters of the Poor." By 1842 the work was extended to include the care of elderly men. In 1846 they branched out from their hometown of Saint Servan to open a second home, in Rennes. Homes were opened in Germany and Belgium in 1852, and one was established in Paris by invitation of the Empress Eugenie. In 1868 they arrived in the United States of America, beginning their work in Brooklyn.

The Little Sisters of the Poor came to Pittsburgh in 1872, making their first permanent foundation on Penn Avenue in Lawrenceville. Since 1922 they have ministered on Benton Avenue in Brighton Heights in a home specially built for them and their little family by Patrick and Catherine Wall as a memorial to their only child, James P. Wall.

Characteristic of the Little Sisters of the Poor is that the Sisters "live where they serve." Jeanne Jugan's founding inspiration of a "little family," as evidenced by the special vow of hospitality means that the Little Sisters live with the elderly poor and are available to them 24 - hours - a - day. "We live this mission of hospitality," the Little Sisters explain "by serving our elderly poor in every aspect of their lives." Committed to nurturing spirituality and assisting the dying, the Little Sisters of the Poor work to instill a respect for human dignity and the inviolability of human life. Providing nutritious food, comfortable housing and clothing, nursing care and meaningful activity, the Little Sisters of the Poor "serve the elderly poor in our Homes, welcoming them as family, responding with love to their needs and hopes."

At their home in Pittsburgh, the Little Sisters of the Poor offer a continuum of care from independent living, to assisted living and long - term nursing care. All the aged poor, regardless of race, creed, color or religion are welcome to make their home with the Little Sisters of the Poor in an atmosphere of dignity, human and personal respect, and security in the face of advancing age. "Tenderly caring for the elderly poor since 1872," the Little Sisters of the Poor of Pittsburgh continue to live and to serve "as a little family."

The homes of the Little Sisters of the Poor could not subsist nor would the elderly enjoy the quality of life that they do without the generous assistance of benefactors and friends.

For additional information on the Little Sisters of the Poor, please visit their homepage by clicking here.

Copyright 2008 Sisters in Healthcare History Project