The Little Sisters of the Poor have announced that they are leaving the Diocese of Lancaster after 135 years. In a statement released by the diocese, Mother Provincial Caroline Emmanuel said: “It is with great sadness and regret that the Little Sisters of the Poor have decided that they will be leaving Preston.” Mother Caroline said the community was ageing and dwindling in size. They had made the decision, she said, with “great sadness and regret”. The statement said: “The Little Sisters are immensely grateful for the support they have been given, over the years, by the Catholic community of Preston, the current Bishop of Lancaster Michael Campbell, previous bishops of the diocese, as well as by local priests and Religious and by so many people in Preston who have been so supportive. “They are especially thankful to God for all that they received from their benefactors, associates and friends in Preston. It is understood the Sisters are already working hard to ensure a continuity of care at the Jeanne Jugan Residence if at all possible.” The Little Sisters have been in Preston since 1881. They were one of nine new foundations established in the 1880s in the British Isles. They began their work for the sick and the dying in Preston at a small house in Deepdale Road, before moving to larger premises on Garstang Road, known then as Springfield House, now the Jeanne Jugan Residence. Bishop Campbell said he was “deeply saddened” by the news. He said: “Firstly, I want to celebrate all the wonderful care and work for the sick and the elderly carried out by the Little Sisters in Preston – long before the state came to be involved in such work. “Secondly, while I am deeply saddened by this decision, I understand completely the challenges which the Sisters face and sympathise with the circumstances they find themselves in. I have always had and continue to have the highest regard and appreciation for the Little Sisters of the Poor and the selfless work they have done for the elderly and dying. “They have made an immeasurable contribution to the life of the city of Preston and our local Church over the past 135 years. The Little Sisters will be sadly missed and will always be held in the greatest affection and respect by the Catholic community in Preston and in the wider Diocese of Lancaster for all their selfless ministry in the service of the elderly and those near the end of life.” The Little Sisters of the Poor was founded in France in 1839 by St Jeanne Jugan in order to care for the impoverished elderly who were visibly helpless in many French towns and cities. Its members make vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience and a fourth vow of hospitality. They have about 230 houses in 31 countries around the world, and more than 2,300 members.