When the Little Sisters of the Poor gather for their annual St. Jeanne Jugan Gala on Sunday, Sept. 27, they will celebrate a relationship that began more than 150 years ago.
This year the Little Sisters will honor the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which first welcomed them to the city in 1869, and has supported their mission ever since. Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will accept the honor on behalf of the archdiocese at the Drexelbrook in Drexel Hill. Registration and fellowship begin at noon, followed by dinner and the program from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
The following is a Q&A interview with Sister Veronica Proffitt of the Little Sisters of the Poor, the order of religious sisters that operates Holy Family Home in Southwest Philadelphia, serving the elderly poor.
***
Q: Why did the Little Sisters choose to honor the Archdiocese of Philadelphia this year?
A: Our hearts are simply full of gratitude. The Little Sisters did not come to Philadelphia on our own, and we have not remained here on our own.
In 1869, Archbishop James Frederick Wood invited the first Little Sisters from France to Philadelphia because he saw the need for our mission and helped them establish homes for the elderly poor. The shepherds who followed him continued that support, as have the priests, parishes and faithful throughout the Archdiocese.
For more than 150 years, the Church of Philadelphia has helped us continue the work entrusted to us by our foundress, St. Jeanne Jugan. This year, we are blessed to say, “Thank you.”
Q: What has that support made possible for the Little Sisters in Philadelphia?
A: You need only look at Holy Family Home today!
Through an extraordinary outpouring of support, we were able to completely rebuild our home at 5300 Chester Avenue, completed in 2025, so the Little Sisters can continue to care for Philadelphia’s elderly poor for generations to come.
It was the largest redevelopment project undertaken this century in our Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood of Kingsessing, made possible through local, state and federal grants and the generosity of people near and far.
Holy Family Home is an anchor of care, dignity and hope in a neighborhood that has faced significant economic and social challenges. More than a building, it is a loving community where our residents are supported at every phase of life. To me, it is a commitment to carry the charism of St. Jeanne Jugan beyond our first 150 years in Philadelphia and into the future.
Q: You are known as the “begging sister.” What role have Philadelphia’s parishes played in your ministry?
A: I ask for help because our residents depend upon the generosity of others. But begging is about more than financial support. I want people to remember the elderly poor—to pray for them, visit them and see Christ in them.
The priests of this archdiocese have been very good to us. A pastor welcomes us. People listen. Someone gives. Someone prays. Someone volunteers. And very often, someone says, “I didn’t know the Little Sisters were still here.”
Yes, we are still here.
We are here because God has been faithful, because the Church has supported us, and because the faithful of Philadelphia have helped us care for the elderly poor as Christ Himself.
Q: You have now spent 19 years in Philadelphia. What have you learned about the Catholic community here?
A: I have come to believe there is a very deep foundation of faith in Philadelphia. We hear concerns about declining church attendance or younger generations becoming less connected to the Church. But when I visit the parishes, I see something very real: our faith in Philadelphia is fully alive.
Its roots were planted by generations who came before us and gave themselves for the love of God. Perhaps they need to be watered and enlivened from time to time—but they are strong.
Q: What do the residents of Holy Family Home teach you about faith?
A: They teach us how to live until God calls us home.
Aging brings changes. The body and mind may change and strength may diminish. Yet something very holy can happen, too. The soul begins to shine more clearly. The spiritual life deepens. The person draws closer to God.
Our residents teach us not to give up or be afraid, but to surrender ourselves to God and His plan for us. That is the grace we witness every day at Holy Family Home.
Q: What do you hope people will take away from this year’s St. Jeanne Jugan Gala?
A: I hope they will come and celebrate with us.
This is a moment of gratitude to the Church of Philadelphia and to all who have prayed, given, volunteered, visited and remembered the elderly poor.
But it is also an invitation. St. Jeanne Jugan trusted that God would touch the hearts of good people and inspire them to help her care for the elderly poor. That is still our way today. There are always new hearts to touch and new people to welcome into this beautiful mission.
We would be so happy to welcome them.
***
To learn more about the 2026 St. Jeanne Jugan Gala on Sunday, Sept. 27 and how you can participate, visit the website littlesistersofthepoorphiladelphia.org.
PREVIOUS: Risen From Ashes, New St. Francis of Assisi School Opens in Springfield
NEXT: Handmade Santas Keep Archbishop Wood Teacher’s Legacy Alive
Share this story