Some people see Sister Pauline Kelly as a beggar, and some see her as a saint. The 69-year-old Little Sister of the Poor has spent the past 48 years devoted to her order’s call to serve the elderly poor. For most of that time, she has been the “begging sister,” traveling daily to churches, markets and public places in the Archdiocese of Washington asking for donations to fund the Sisters’ cause, which includes a home near Catholic University for 100 low-income seniors. Sister Pauline shared with The Washington Examiner thoughts on her faith, and the joy and fulfillment she receives in begging so that others may rest. Do you consider yourself to be of a specific faith?
I am a Roman Catholic and a religious sister. It was from the example of my parents’ deep faith that I learned to love God. Receiving Eucharist, the body of Christ, is for me both nourishment and my most cherished gift. My great happiness is to be a Little Sister of the Poor. We Little Sisters care for the elderly poor in the spirit of humble service which we have received from our founderess Jeanne Jugan. We welcome the elderly as we would Jesus Christ himself, and serve them with love and respect until death.
Did anyone or any event especially influence your faith or your path in life? How so?
Oh my yes. I remember the day my mother sent me to the Little Sisters of the Poor for what young people today call service hours. At first, I was a little taken aback by all those old people, but there I met Sister Agatha who told me about the life of Jeanne Jugan. Jugan’s father died when she was a toddler, and she grew up in great poverty. It was her great faith that prepared her to take into her home the first of many old people. Dynamic and big-hearted, she even made herself a beggar on their behalf. They would stay safe at home while she would make their rounds. She accomplished so much — opening additional homes for the elderly, and training young women to dedicate their lives to Christ and to the poor — until one day she was set aside by Father Auguste le Pailleur who desired the honor of her work for his own gain. She was never again to receive acknowledgement in the foundation of her congregation. Her great humility allowed her to see all of this as coming from the hand of God. I just could not get over the story. I too wanted to be a Little Sister of the Poor! And maybe even to beg for them someday.
Your role among the Sisters is to beg to earn money. Certainly, there are ways to earn more money, so why beg?
It’s tradition! Jeanne Jugan taught the Little Sisters that if we are faithful to our mission of caring for the poor, God will provide. So we continue to rely on divine providence — the goodness of God working through the charity of others. We do not accept regular income or endowments. It’s a philosophical and spiritual decision. The collecting — our begging — affirms our fidelity to the reception of the poorest aged as our brothers and sisters, and necessitates an attitude of humility and interior poverty. It’s a blessing, and it opens a channel of grace between all involved in our little family of Little Sisters, residents, and those who help us through their kindness.
What have been the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from the people who have shared their wealth with you?
They have taught me that the gift is in the giving. Although our benefactors are aware that our homes would never stay open without their support, they sometimes even thank us for the opportunity to participate in caring for the elderly poor. I am deeply touched by their motivations that lead to generosity and a willingness to help others.
At your core, what is one of your defining beliefs?
I believe that all men and women are created in the image and likeness of God, and that all human life is sacred from the moment of conception to natural death.
– Leah Fabel
