[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 8597]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR

 Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of the Little Sisters of the Poor in caring for the elderly 
in Delaware. Since their opening in 1903, the Little Sisters have 
touched the lives of thousands of people. Sharing their homes and 
hearts, they have cared for the elderly in the spirit of humble 
service.
  The Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor has aided and 
given comfort to the impoverished elderly worldwide for over 163 years. 
This organization, which has spread its loving arms to over 30 
countries worldwide, was founded by a group of caring women who were 
led by Jeanne Jugan. After taking in an elderly blind woman in 1839, 
Jeanne and two other women purchased a home where the poor could take 
shelter. Over the years, Jeanne took the place of the elderly women on 
the streets and began a campaign of soliciting in order to raise funds. 
By 1879, her ranks had grown to include 2,400 Little Sisters, and her 
beliefs and thoughtful nature had spread throughout Europe. Although 
Jeanne Jugan passed away later that year, she succeeded in inspiring 
and improving the lives of thousands of needy people.
  Over the 163 years that the congregation has existed, the 
Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor has opened 242 homes 
that presently serve 22,000 residents. Their tireless efforts to bring 
comfort to those who need a shoulder to lean on shows that the Little 
Sisters not only represents the values of America but also the 
unremitting concern for one's neighbor.
  The Little Sisters have faithfully served the people of Delaware for 
the last century. Opening St. Joseph's Home for the Aged on Fourth and 
Bancroft in Wilmington in 1903, the Little Sisters became a beloved and 
well-known part of the community. In 1978, the Jeanne Jugan residence 
opened in Newark, where the Little Sisters continue their work to this 
day, providing the highest possible level of care for their residents. 
The non-denominational home cares for low-income individuals of all 
racial and ethnic backgrounds.
  The Little Sisters have provided care for over 4,700 people during 
their time in Delaware. Blessed by the generosity of the community in 
which they serve, the Sisters continue to work towards their mission of 
humble service to the elderly among us.
  I rise today to commemorate all the work that has been done by the 
Little Sisters of the Poor in aiding the elderly. What began in 1839 as 
an effort to gather funds for a poor blind woman in France has become 
an international community of compassionate individuals who have chosen 
to give their lives in the attempt to improve the well being of the 
elderly.

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