FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Greg Zielinski, PhD, Zielinski Companies
Phone: 314-644-2150, x118
Email: gzielinski@zielinskico.com
WITHDRAWAL FROM HOLY FAMILY RESIDENCE
St. Paul, Minnesota, October 23, 2024 – Today the Little Sisters of the Poor announced with sadness that they will be withdrawing from Holy Family Residence in St. Paul, Minnesota. This morning the Sisters met with the Residents, their families, lay Associates, staff, and volunteers to share their decision.
The mission of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Minnesota began in 1883 when Bishops Thomas Grace and John Ireland petitioned the motherhouse in France to send six Little Sisters to come to St. Paul to work to establish a home for the needy elderly. Within months of their arrival, the Little Sisters had purchased buildings on Wilkens Street (formerly Baldwin School) and were caring for 20 Residents. The Home was primarily supported by Little Sisters begging for contributions of food and clothing, sometimes travelling by horse and wagon for a day or a week at a time. Many of the Home’s Residents were immigrants who often arrived with no more than the clothes on their backs.
In 1889, a larger Home was needed to accommodate the increasing number of elderly poor. The original building was demolished to make way for a new Home to welcome 200 elderly. A second Home was established in Northeast Minneapolis, also in the late 1880s. In 1977, the two Homes were consolidated, and the current facility at 330 Exchange Street South was constructed to comply with the evolution in health care needs and regulations.
The Little Sisters of the Poor have endured through many changes during the last century. From the small beginnings back in 1883 right up to the present day, the Little Sisters have never wavered in their desire to humbly and joyfully live the charism of their foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan, who said: “Never forget that the poor are Our Lord.”
In making the announcement, Mother Julie Horseman, lsp, Provincial Superior of the Little Sisters, explained: “The decisions we are taking at this time are the fruit of our General Chapter in France in 2022 and are in harmony with our strategic plan aimed at strengthening our ministry and the quality of our religious and community life. The Little Sisters have recognized the need to withdraw from a certain number of Homes around the world, while at the same time dedicating our resources to much needed upgrades and reconstruction projects in others.” She added, “Many factors have obliged us to move forward with this decision. It has only come after a lengthy period of prayer, much consultation and much study.”
The intention of the Little Sisters is to transition Holy Family Residence to another long-term care provider in the Twin Cities, with the least amount of disruption to residents and employees.
Mother Julie concluded the announcement by expressing the Little Sisters’ profound gratitude to God for all that they have received from benefactors, friends, and families – people of every religious belief and race – who have touched their lives and those of their Residents for so many years. In a special way she thanked Archbishop Bernard Hebda for his leadership in promoting and supporting the mission of the Little Sisters of the Poor. She assured every member of the Holy Family Residence community of the Sisters’ prayers and support throughout the transition period and asked for their prayers in return for the Little Sisters.
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For further information, please contact Greg Zielinski, PhD, Zielinski Companies, 314-644-2150, x118.
