By Mayor Emeritus Eugene C. Brune

It was two years ago with sadness, that the Little Sisters of the Poor announced they would be withdrawing from the Jeanne Jugan Residence, in Somerville. In making the announcement Mother Alice Marie Jones, l.s.p. the Little Sisters provincial superior, stated. “That, as you can imagine, is a very difficult decision.”

The Little Sisters of the Poor have served the Archdiocese of Boston continuously since 1870. The Little Sisters arrived at the Port of Boston, on April 19, 1870. Their mission was to help the elderly poor. Several years later The Little Sisters opened a home in Somerville on Highland Avenue and continued their mission on that site for over 120 years.

One can only imagine the thousands that they helped over that span of time. They have been known as the begging nuns and were proud of their title as they needed financial help as well as other services so that they could continue their mission.

Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Archbishop Bishop of Boston, said, “As the Little Sisters of the poor prepare to depart, we express. our gratitude for their last 150 years of selfless dedicated service to the poor and the needy. We will miss the Sisters’ presence in our local community as they go forward with their mission established by Saint Jeanne Jugan.

When I was approached several years ago by then Chairman Bill Roche, to serve on the Little Sisters Advisory Board, although very busy serving on several other nonprofit boards I accepted, and I need to say that now many years later it was a pleasure working with fifteen very dedicated members.

Our job was to assist and advise the Mother Superior, serving at that time, as they change from time to time, with any problems or needs that the home may be having, including fundraising. The local members of our board besides myself were former Ald. Bill Roach, former Alderman Bob McWatters, former Alderman Bill White and Tom Bent, Bent Electric.

I had the pleasure of being elected Chairman of the Board when the Little Sisters were given the news that they were needed elsewhere so I also had the pleasure in assisting Mother Maureen, Sister Patrice, and Father Cregan In finding another health provider that was willing to take on and continue with the Sisters mission of helping the Elderly Poor.

After several interviews with companies interested in taking over, we settled with a long-time local health provider, The Visiting Nurses Association. I have had the privilege of knowing and collaborating with them while I was an Alderman and more so when I served as mayor, and I was always impressed with Linda Cornell, President /CEO.

When the Sisters were leaving, the Advisory Board had promised that we would raise the necessary funds to have a bronze plaque made and placed on the site that they occupied for over 120 years.

This past Sunday, July 31, Mother Maureen, who had been with us in Somerville for nine years as well as several Sisters, came back for the celebration. Mother Maureen had the pleasure of unveiling the plaque and Father Linehan, also a board member, did a blessing.

It was a wonderful day for the close to one hundred Sisters, Priest, board members, residence, and guests in attendance.

The Sisters may have left Somerville, but to all that they have touched in some way they will never be forgotten.