AUCKLAND Little Sisters of the Poor around the world are looking forward to the canonisation of their foundress, Jeanne Jugan, on October 11. About 50 sisters, residents of their homes and lay members of the Association Jeanne Jugan from the province of Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and New Caledonia will attend, NZ Catholic understands.

The mother general of the Little Sisters asked if one sister from each of the congregations 202 homes worldwide could go.

At St Josephs Home, Ponsonby, the sisters put their names into a hat and Sr Marguerite Thereses was drawn out.

Im very privileged to go to the canonisation of our mother, Sr Marguerite Therese told NZ Catholic.

She is looking forward to seeing sisters she hasnt seen since she made her final vows 24 years ago at the congregations motherhouse at La Tour in France.

Sr Marguerite Therese hopes the canonisation will bring more vocations.

It will make known to the Church [Jeanne Jugans] humble way of living.

Also attending will be St Josephs home resident Jane Lys, who hopes it will make people more aware of the aged.

Mrs Lys has noticed a buzz about St Josephs as the great day draws near, with a tremendous fund-raising effort and support from many.

Also going is Val McDonald who volunteers at St Josephs and is a member of the Association Jeanne Jugan for lay associates.

Mrs McDonald said the canonisation has sparked a lot of interest among staff, many of whom are not Catholic.

Both Mrs Lys and Mrs McDonald were asked if they would like to go to Rome by the mother superior in Auckland, Sr Cecelia McKay.

Sr Marguerite Therese, Mrs Lys and Mrs McDonald will stay at a Little Sisters of the Poor house in Marino near Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence.

A celebration Mass will be at Sacred Heart Church, Ponsonby, on October 11. Many of the sisters hope to watch the canonisation on EWTN.

A thanksgiving Mass will be held at St Patricks Cathedral, Auckland, on October 31 with Bishop Patrick Dunn as principal celebrant.