Canonisation of French nun Jeanne Jugan in Kolkata

Kolkata, Oct 13 (ANI): A special mass and cultural programmes were organised at Little Sisters of the Poor, a home for elderly here on Monday.

The occasion was the canonisation of its founder, Jeanne Jugan, a French lady missionary who set up this charitable organisation.

Its members are religious women, members of an International Congregation, who have dedicated their lives to the service of the elderly, in 30 countries of the world.

Jeanne Jugan was among five saints canonised by the Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday.

The home for poor was set by the Little Sisters of the Poor mission in Kolkata in November 1882.

Jugan died about three years before her mission could make its presence in India.

"We are celebrating because blessed Jeanne Jugan was the first foreign sister in France who started this order for the 'Little Sisters of the Poor' for the old and the aged who were not wanted by their loved ones. She was the most wonderful lady and through her efforts these Little Sisters of the Poor have come into existence," said Mary Pinto, an inmate of the Old Age Home managed by Little Sisters of the Poor.

Jeanne Jugan has been described by the Vatican Radio as an 'authentic Mother Teresa ahead of her time'.

She worked with the poor and elderly, shedding all her own material possessions to become 'a poor person among the poor' until her death in 1879. (ANI)