Good morning … Sister Colette and I are very happy to be here at St. Patrick's this weekend and we thank Father Klores for allowing us.

For those who may not be familiar with The Little Sisters of the Poor, our ministry of caring for the elderly poor was begun in France by Blessed Jeanne Jugan in 1839. Since then, our work has spread to all points in the world, including 33 homes in the United States [with our mission foundation in] Gallup, New Mexico.

Here in New Orleans, our home was established on [Johnson] Street in 1868 but, because of need of renovations over the years and to conform with life safety codes, we had to rebuild our present home on the Westbank, which was completed in 1972.

As Little Sisters, we take a special vow of hospitality by which we have the joy of receiving and caring for those elderly who are poor and who are in need of a secure atmosphere.

Perhaps you are thinking "How does this affect me?" It affects you in this way …

From the very beginning, our Mother Foundress, Blessed Jeanne Jugan looked to the laity as a vital part of the hospitaller family. Today, your cooperation is even more vital. We greatly need your financial assistance to help us defray increasing costs and to enable us, most of all, to continue delivering quality care to our residents in an atmosphere of love, peace and joy.

Yes, we need your support ... and so we extend to you an invitation to share with us in the ministry of the elderly by becoming hands that are helpful, giving and praying ... praying especially for religious vocations that many more young women may respond to God's call to follow Him and serve Him in the person of the elderly.

So won't you please join with us by answering Yes to the invitation we extend to each of you. And, be as witnesses with us, to the sacredness of human life, especially that of the elderly whose advanced years often bring them them declining health, loneliness and a lack of financial resources. In return we take to heart to pray very much for friends and benefactors – both living and deceased – so you are never forgotten in the prayers of our residents or the Little Sisters.

We cordially invite each you to visit us at our Mary Joseph Residence … to visit the residents and the Little Sisters and to see how your contributions have made a difference.

Sister Colette and I thank you for your warm reception and, in advance, for your generous response. May God bless each of you and your families.