Jeanne Jugan, who founded the Little Sisters of the Poor

A PARTY of 18 Islanders is travelling to Rome next week to join celebrations for the canonisation of Jeanne Jugan, the Mother Foundress of the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor.

They are due to attend a vigil the night before the canonisation on Sunday 11 October and a mass on the day itself.

The Archbishop of Rennes will formally present the request for the canonisation to the Holy Father. Then in the presence of thousands of pilgrims and watched by a television audience of millions throughout the world Jeanne Jugan will be proclaimed a saint.

The Rev Iain MacFirbhisigh, who will be among the party, said that he hoped the Island pilgrims would also have an audience with the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, on the following Tuesday.

‘We are very excited,’ he added. ‘It is something we have been praying for for many years.
‘Those of us who have been allowed to share in the charism of Blessed Jeanne are thrilled at the prospect of being in St Peter’s for this memorable occasion.’