A Pilgrimage

I was given the privilege of attending the Mission Alive Program in LePuy, France in September of this year.  It was a journey of self-discovery for me and for many of my colleagues from around the world who are partners with the Sisters of St. Joseph.  We were there as pilgrims, not as tourists, and we were guided by Sisters who helped us slow down and reflect.

Part of our week included a guided tour of Mother St. John Fontbonne’s home, as well as a trip to visit her grave in Lyon.  We learned about her life and the historical portion of the Sister’s beginnings, yet it was the thoughtful prayers and reflections at the graveside that highlighted why we were there.  Frankly, it brought more questions than answers…

Who was this strong woman who led her young charges into the unknown? 

How did the Spirit move in Mother St. John Fontbonne?

What can I learn from her example of strength and courage?

How is the Spirit moving in me?

I picked up a pebble from the grave to mark the day and it became a touchstone, a memory, an urging to move towards answering those questions.

-Guest Blog by Michelle Vermeeren, Staff, Sisters of St. Joseph

The Lace Is Not Yet Finished

As I spend time here in Le Puy, at our CSJ International Centre and explore the streets walked by our first Sisters, certain themes come vividly to mind: “We are not finished yet,” the current theme of our communal gatherings as the new amalgamated Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada, and “The Lace Is Not Yet Finished,” a recent program offered at the International Centre of the Sisters of St Joseph in Le Puy.

For, from the very first days of our foundation and into the 21rst century, have we not been about lace-making, literally and figuratively, as in our various ministries we weave the diverse threads of a design known as the congregation of the great love of God? Over the centuries, Sisters, Associates/Companions and lay colleagues in ministry have followed the pattern, devoting themselves to our common mission of active and inclusive love, seeking the union of all in God.                 

Whether sitting in their own kitchen in the evenings or among neighbouring women lace-makers as they helped them to deepen their spirituality, our first Sisters in 17^th century Le Puy knew well the art of lace-making. And our lace-making way of being continues as our original congregation has spread throughout the world. 

The global dimensions of our CSJ charism and mission were highlighted for me as we welcomed Sisters, Associates and lay colleagues from at least 15 different countries to the International Centre in May. Some came for a program on multicultural diversity, others to learn the history of our origins and immerse themselves more deeply in our mission and spirituality. All were engaged in a wide variety of ministry to the “dear neighbour,” responding to multiple needs so that “all may be one.”

Our lace-making has indeed gone global and the lace is not yet finished.

Joyce Murray CSJ

Figure 1: Le Puy today
Figure 2: Héritage Kitchen of First Sisters
Figure 3: Today’s lacemaking in Le Puy

Bearers of God’s Great Love

Today is our Founder’s Day…that day in 1650 when Bishop Henri de Maupas of LePuy, France officially recognized the Sisters of St. Joseph as a Congregation.  With Joseph as our Patron, our sister ancestors embarked on a mission to bring God’s Great Love to every kind of neighbor, all across the planet. Sisters and Associates of St. Joseph today still strive to live out this mission of Oneness in the world, recognizing God in all persons and all of Creation. On this anniversary of our foundation in LePuy we also celebrate the 10th anniversary of our International Center in LePuy, a beautiful space where all CSSJs can feel welcomed and at home. Being bearers of God’s Great Love sounds daunting, until we remember that it is simply about sharing hearts. Our willingness to open our hearts to one another gives God the place and space to birth Great Love into the world and among each other. Won’t you join us as bearers of God’s Great Love in the world?  It begins as easily as with a smile.  

Prayer for Founders Day

God of great love, just as you called Sisters and Associates / Companions of St Joseph in generations past, so you call each of us now, in our own time, to carry on your mission of loving unity in the world.

May our eyes be open, our ears attentive, our spirit alert, and our sleeves rolled up—that we may respond generously and in every way to the needs of the dear neighbor.  

May we reflect to all we meet a spirit of gentleness, peace and joy. This we pray in the name of Christ Jesus. 

Amen.

This is an excerpt from the newsletter of the Congregation of St. Joseph. It is a beautiful reminder of this special feast day. Happy Founder’s Day