During her canonical visit to Spain a few days ago, “Little Sister Maria,” who remains so even with her office, offers a message of faith, hope, and fraternity. From her experience, and in a world that often forgets the elderly, she emphasizes that Saint Jeanne Jugan’s spirit of humility and smallness remains a guide for facing the challenges of the present. This invitation fits perfectly with the imminent publication of Pope Leo XIV’s  Apostolic Exhortation  “Dilexi te”: On Love for the Poor. 

The life testimony of your founder, Saint Jeanne Jugan, inspires us to confront the indifference and deprivation we might call “spiritual poverty.” How do you respond to this?

Our mission is to welcome and care for the poorest elderly in all our homes around the world. We strive to reach out to them, invite them to stay, and accompany them until the end of their lives. We want to show that they possess dignity and infinite human value, which the world often forgets.

Pope Francis, in his latest encyclical, states that “the world has lost its heart.”

We seek to provide a home for those who have lived without a home or family, offering them love and companionship. Although the adaptation process is difficult, the important thing is that in the end they can say, “I have a home, I have a family.” This is how we fill their hearts with love and hope.

The current pope has criticized the vast economic gap and the indifference to social needs. Can this be reversed, at least in part, through the Church’s charitable work?

Inequality isn’t resolved suddenly, but with small gestures and fraternity. Our Mother united rich and poor in brotherhood: those who have shared their possessions, and those who don’t offer their faith and prayer. Thus, we are all rich and poor at the same time, creating a community that can inspire even the young.

What message do you give to young women to inspire them toward the consecrated vocation in your congregation?

God calls every person to holiness and happiness, whether in marriage or in consecrated life. We bear witness that we find joy in our vocation. It is not we who call, but God. If He grants the vocation, He also gives the grace to live it, and we are merely instruments.

How can a true vocation always remain motivated?

Vocation, like marriage, begins with a great love that must be continually renewed. Over time, difficulties and routine can chill it, but it is vital to return to the first love that motivated one’s commitment. Constant prayer helps sustain and overcome moments of crisis.

In this work, community life is very important…

Community life is essential, although the perfect community does not exist on earth. Each person is different, but in that diversity we learn patience, charity, and growth. It’s not about diminishing ourselves, but about growing in unity despite our differences.

In many cases, families don’t know what to do with their elderly and, instead of caring for them themselves, prefer to place them in nursing homes. Should efforts be made to keep them at home?

Today, it’s difficult to ask families to keep their elderly at home because they face so many problems. A united family, one that loves and prays together, is rare. When homes are divided, the elderly end up being considered a nuisance. Only God knows the reasons why they come to our homes.

Laws and governments often ignore the elderly and even promote anti-life laws, such as euthanasia. Should we be more aware of this when electing authorities?

Society has made progress in elderly care, such as home support in France. However, there is concern about the normalization of laws such as abortion and euthanasia, which initially generate rejection but can eventually become accepted as normal.

What is your message for the little sisters of your congregation who will read this interview, in order to maintain the spirit of their founder, Saint Jeanne Jugan?

Jeanne Jugan’s spirit is one of humility and smallness, always praising God. She taught us to see the Lord himself in the poor and to go out to seek them with simplicity. Her message is clear: to be small in all things and to keep the spirit of service alive in the Church.

To a young woman who is wondering about a possible vocation… What would be your advice?

To a young woman with doubts, I would invite her first to pray and then to learn about the hidden life of Jeanne Jugan. This vocation doesn’t seek recognition, for we care for the elderly who may be gone tomorrow. Our reward is eternal life: to hand over to the Father what has passed through our hands. It is a great joy, even if humanly it doesn’t feel like a success.