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Sr Rosemary Rese (Little Sisters of the Poor) from Baltimore, is in Sydney for the month accompanied by two sisters from Washington, Detroit and two lay people from Baltimore and Mobile (Alabama).
The Little Sisters of the Poor are very busy during WYD she reports: "We have close to 150 pilgrims from various countries with the majority coming from France."
The sisters, in full habit, will be at the Vocations Expo for anyone interested in the vocation of 'caring for the elderly poor' with the inspiration of the foundress, Bl. Jeanne Jugan (Britany, France).
"Sisters live on site [in a hospice in Randwick]. We care for the elderly til they die" she says.
"Like Mother Theresa's sisters take a vow of 'whole hearted service of the poorest of the poor,' and Little Sisters of the Poor take a fourth vow of hospitality," says Sr Rosemary Rese.
There is a novitiate over in Randwick, where seven young women are studying to be Little Sisters of the Poor.
"It just goes to show, being a religious is still a viable option for young women today," she says.
In the spirit of true hospitality, she invites us over anytime - "Come and see our happiness." And if you can't get to Randwick, head to the Vocations Expo. She has just left the Media Centre to go and set it up now..
She with others will also be at the Love and Life Site at the University of Notre Dame.
Why do the Little Sisters of Poor wear their habit?
"We wear a habit becuase it was the poor person's way of dress, when we were founded, and we maintain it because it is an outward sign of consecration to the poor," she says.
For more info on the Little Sisters of the Poor- visit: http://wyd08.lsp.googlepages.com/
Volunteers are welcome to visit and/or give help in Randwick.
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