It began in 1650…
Since then three and a half centuries have passed… Three and a half centuries of history, the designing a long series of events, each calling us to pursue a moment when all seemed lost … each one giving birth to something new, in response to the new changes of each age.
Foundation
 Founded by the Jesuit, Jean-Pierre Médaille, in response to the poverty which filled the war-ravaged countryside, the Sisters of St. Joseph trace their origins to mid- 17 th century central France.At a time when to be a woman religious meant to be part of a cloistered congregation, Médaille envisioned another way to live religious consecration.
He gathered few young women desirous of living an authentic Christian life and responding to the misery which surrounded them. In order to have freedom to move about the village or city unaccompanied, to care for the people wherever they were, the first sisters, were not visibly different from ordinary women. In these early years the sisters devoted themselves to the education of girls, catechetical instruction, visiting prisoners, caring for women and girls who found themselves alone and unprotected. In short, they engaged in apostolic work corresponding to the diverse forms of poverty within their society.
Our Founder - Fr. Jean-Pierre Médaille
In LePuy, this congregation of religious women who, like the Jesuits, would join prayer and contemplation with active service of those in greatest need. Being aware of the importance of creating links among people across all the social (economic, educational, religious, cultural) barriers which separate them, he established unity as the aim of the congregation: unity of persons with God and among themselves
The first house
 Thanks to the support of Henri de Maupas, bishop of Le Puy, who officially recognized them as religious in 1650, the Sisters of St. Joseph were soon entrusted with a residence for homeless girls and women. There the Sisters looked after the material welfare of those entrusted to them and also cared for their intellectual and spiritual development
This Little Design,as Médaille called the institute, grew and developed until the dawn of the French Revolution which effectively suppressed all forms of religious activity. During the trying years of late 18th century France, five Sisters of St. Joseph were sent to the guillotine and the others were forced to return to their families. Among the latter was Sister St. John Fontbonne who refounded the congregation after the Revolution.
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We find Sisters of St. Joseph today over all continents from North to South, from East to West, in numerous Congregations stemming from Mother St. John, where, like her, they continue to meet the needs of the time in prayer and solitude, and in professional work. Through all events in life, they are led by the spirit to meet God and neighbor, so that together all may be one..... |
