The Miracle Child Returns: Catholic Youth Shares the Miracle of St. Jeanne Jugan’s Intercession

Bangalore, August 30, 2025: On the feast of St. Jeanne Jugan, the Founder of the Little Sisters of the Poor, Sister Josephine Pauline of the Little Sisters of the Poor, Bangalore, Hosur Road, shared a moving testimony with Catholic Connect that reveals the saint’s continuing power to touch lives.

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Isaac Johan, now 19 and studying BCA at St. Joseph’s University, Bangalore, owes his very existence to the intercession of St. Jeanne Jugan. His parents, Christabelle Rani and Thomas Kennedy Babu, married in June 1997 at St. Mary’s Basilica, Shivajinagar, and longed for a child. Yet, years of waiting brought not only silence but also pain. Christabelle endured criticism and hurtful remarks, sometimes even feeling excluded from celebrations such as baby showers. Through it all, both she and Thomas never wavered in prayer or in their trust in God’s providence.

The turning point came unexpectedly. Isaac’s uncle, Gilbert Merino, met one of the Little Sisters of the Poor and shared the family’s sorrow. Listening with compassion, the Sister handed him two medals of St. Jeanne Jugan and a prayer card, urging them to pray daily and wear the medals. Faithfully, the family followed her guidance.

On the eleventh day, a long-awaited miracle occurred—Christabelle conceived. The family attributed this gift of life to the saint’s intercession. In God’s perfect timing, Isaac was born on 31st August, the day after St. Jeanne Jugan’s feast and during the novena to Our Lady. His grandmother, Angel Vimala, wished for his name to honour the saint. “Isaac” was chosen, recalling the child of promise given to Abraham and Sarah, and “Johan,” in honour of Jeanne Jugan.

Years later, in a beautiful full-circle moment, Isaac returned to the Little Sisters of the Poor, Bangalore, Hosur Road, to complete his community service. From being a child miraculously granted through their prayers to now serving the very community that interceded for him, his journey reflects God’s providence in a tangible and inspiring way.

Isaac joyfully shares his testimony: “I am happy to give this testimony and make the hidden St. Jeanne Jugan known.”

Through this story, we glimpse the life and legacy of St. Jeanne Jugan—a woman who lived quietly in humility and charity, dedicating herself to caring for the elderly and the poor. Her devotion continues to bear fruit today, bringing hope, faith, and miracles to families like Isaac’s, reminding us that a life lived in selfless love can touch generations in ways we may never fully see.

Prayer to Saint Jeanne Jugan

Jesus, you rejoiced and praised your Father for having revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. We thank you for the graces granted to your humble servant, Saint Jeanne Jugan, to whom we confide our petitions and needs. (pause to voice your personal needs and intentions)

Father of the poor, you have never refused the prayer of the lowly. We ask you, therefore, to hear the petitions that she presents to you on our behalf. Jesus, through Mary, your Mother and ours, we ask this of you, who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen.

The Miracle Child Returns: Catholic Youth Shares the Miracle of St. Jeanne Jugan’s Intercession

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