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