August 24, 2016

We have been so very blessed to serve the needy elderly in the archdiocese of Saint Louis for 147 years. Without the uninterrupted support of literally thousands of persons since 1869, it would not have been possible for us to welcome more than 12,000 elderly persons between our 2 Homes (our south side Home on South Grand Avenue merged with the present one on the north side in 1974).

Today, with very heavy hearts, we Little Sisters of the Poor announce that we will be withdrawing from our Saint Louis Residence in Historic Old North Saint Louis city. We must acknowledge our limitations. The decision is due to a diminishing number of vocations and less active Little Sisters.

To be faithful to the family spirit as envisioned by our Foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan, it is essential to our mission that the Sisters share closely in the lives of those we serve. The Residents deserve the best that each of us can give. With the present number of Little Sisters available for ministry, we are not able to maintain all of our commitments.

Many factors have obliged us to move forward with this decision. It has only come after a lengthy period of prayer, much consultation and the study of many factors.

We hope that there are others who share the same passion and values for serving the elderly as we do and will want to collaborate with us for a transfer of sponsorship. Our greatest desire and hope is for Saint Louis Residence to continue to welcome and serve the neediest elderly and even to expand services to the poor and vulnerable on the City’s north side. It is our intent to assure a smooth transition, and we have already begun working toward this goal.

This announcement carries our profound gratitude to God for all that the Little Sisters of the Poor have received from benefactors, friends and families – people of every religious belief and race have touched our lives.

We wish also to express our heartfelt gratitude to our very caring Shepherd, Archbishop Robert Carlson, and the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Saint Louis, to the wonderful clergy, religious and faithful whose love and support has made our mission a very happy and fulfilling one since 1869.

Today we ask for your prayers – for the Little Sisters and for everyone associated with St. Louis Residence.

God bless you.
Mother Maria Christine, l.s.p.
Mother Provincial
Chicago Province

To read the Archdiocesan statement, click here >>