Song of Silence: The Journey of Saint Jeanne Jugan

by Eloi Leclerc

Jeanne Jugan, also known as Sister Mary of the Cross, was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in October 2009. Saint Jeanne Jugan, foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor, was not recognized as such until after her death. Jeanne lived through repeated betrayals and transformed these trials into a path toward holiness that helped her connect with the suffering of Christ. Read the fascinating spiritual journey of this remarkable saint. Includes a foreword by Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston, as well as photos of Jeanne Jugan and the locations mentioned in the book. “There is in [Jeanne Jugan] something so calm, and so holy, that in seeing her I know myself to be in the presence of a superior being. Her words went straight to my heart, so that my eyes, I know not how, filled with tears.” — Charles Dickens, Victorian author and contemporary of Jeanne Jugan

Genres: Religion

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an eloquent story not of a whole life but about the humble live Saint Jeanne Jugan lived, especially when she had been dismissed by Father Auguste Le Pailleur. In this time when we give attention to bluster and bravado -- even if it is with criticism, it remains attention -- we tend to overlook genuine humility. This is not about humiliation, however, so please keep in mind how much she maintained her calm dignity despite her aptitude for great charism. After all, she was "indefatigable" and "eloquent" in her highly successful work (19). I found it quite poignant that she was "without bitterness, serene but aware, fully aware" (15). When first reading these first pages, I appreciated how Father Eloi Leclerc expressed this woman's life with consideration to the small details that made her life beautiful. Continuing to the end, it was and will continue to be a gentle reminder of living not for self-glory or even self-edification but to develop self -- personal talents, ideas, and gifts -- to help others. Towards the end of the first chapter, I realized that this had become a story of internal strength as the nun journeyed "a long road of silence, faith, and love" (22). I truly enjoyed the book's progression throughout its nine chapters and conclusion, appreciating the author's attention to nature's phenomena from a simple rose in spring to a new dawn after a storm. He simply but eloquently paralleled St. Jeanne's life throughout the telling.

Returning to various passages a second and then third time, I became interested in the author himself. I was stunned to learn that Father Leclerc had survived the Nazi concentration camps of Buchenwald and Dachau. While I had enjoyed the book the first time, this newer understanding brought a depth to the writing. Though eloquent and simple in words alone, it took richer tones considering Father Leclerc's experiences. Many of the passages about nurturing those who would otherwise have been forgotten, finding value in lives of unwanted masses, and tender love in single actions rang true each time I read, perhaps even more so because I came to realize this was about a choice to be earnest and hopeful despite cruelty. It also brought a bittersweet reality to the times of "silence" and "journeying" developed in the pages.

My mother has recently moved into Kansas City's Jeanne Jugan Center, named for this saint and foundress of Little Sisters of the Poor. Taking great liberties, I've put the 21st Century nuns' faces to the characters in this small book. It may seem presumptuous, but it really isn't. The same tenderness and joyfulness that I see in Mom's new home are evident in this book. With Mom (and Kansas City's Little Sisters) in mind, I returned many times to this passage from "True Foundations," Chapter 7: "This is what 'making the poor happy' means: rescuing them from their anonymous solitude, giving back to them a name and a face, prompting them to be open to a new awareness of themselves and their dignity" (69).

Finally, this is well-written, and many may find value in reading this. We're in the midst of great turmoil right now, again with bluster and boastfulness valued or at least repeated recognized. This brings hope. I feel uncomfortable with heavily religious books -- perhaps more correctly books that seem to proselytize or "show the truth" in a forceful manner -- but I found this to be genuine without being maudlin or self-pitying, welcoming without being intrusive or manipulative. I'll be taking this to share with Mom when I visit her tomorrow.

[Debra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I purchased this book so that I might learn about St. Jeanne Jugan. What was learned could have been told in three pages and most of it was imaging what she must have felt. Look for something else if you want information on this saint. I know I will.

[Fr. John Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Remarkable Book

It would be easy to be filled with righteous outrage over how unjustly St. Jeanne Jugan was treated for the last 27 years of her life — her life work taken away from her. However, that would miss the profound spiritual lessons her life offers us. The value of silence when one has been unjustly treated, of giving all to God, even one’s life work, of utterly relying on God’s providence.

This book has had an immediate impact on my life. As I read it, I was experiencing unjust treatment by someone. I found myself ruminating over how to defend myself. St. Jeanne’s example has helped me to see the better way of silently accepting the injustice and resting in God’s hands.

[Talea · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times the writing was a bit flowery, but not so much that it detracted from the purpose of the book. I had never heard of St. Jeanne Jugan. Now I do and I am better for it. Her life is an inspiration and one worth noting on a personal level. Being little isn’t easy.