Oct. 12 – Opening of the 200th Anniversary as Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambéry
 The members of the Extended Council were led to recall the history of our Congregation which began its existence in 1646, in villages in the Auvergne region of central France. It quickly grew by leaps and bounds, in spite of many hardships, to the flourishing community it is today. An enactment of this early history of the Congregation by some sisters during the prayer assisted all to journey to the very origin of the Congregation and visibly touched everyone in the meeting hall.
Having recollected the growth and expansion that took place in different phases since 1812, when the Chambéry congregation was established, Sr. Sally proclaimed: “With great joy and deep gratitude to God and all of our sisters and associates who have gone before us, it is our privilege to open the 200th Anniversary Year of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambéry.” The assembly rose on their feet in applause welcoming these words with jubilation.
Reflecting on our diminishing presence in France it was clear that the Province of France, together with the General Council, is considering how to keep the vitality of our presence alive in France. A new house has been built in Jacob Bellecombette, with a view to the future. It will be a residence for some of the sisters at the present time and later, when the sisters will no longer need it, it will be converted to a residence for university students.
This day, which included a reflection on our history and moments of joyful celebration, moved all present to think how we can continue to make a difference as we live the mission of Christ.
200th Anniversary
October 12, 2011 marks the opening of the bicentenary celebration of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery. In 1812, the Sisters, who had traveled from Lyon, France to the Savoy region, were established as an independent Congregation with Mother St. John Marcoux as their first superior.
Sisters who are gathered in Rome for the Extended Council opened the day with a prayer service that recalled the foundation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in LePuy by Father Jean-Pierre Medaille SJ, the six women who made up this first group, the persecution of religious congregations during the French Revolution and the sisters who were martyred; the brave refounding in 1808 in Lyon, and the foundation of the Chambery Congregation in 1812.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery will be celebrating their bicentenary throughout the world, where Sisters live and minister. The bicentenary closes in October, 2012 in Chambery, France.
By Sr. Dolores Lahr
To download the Opening Address (full text): click here.
To look at the photos of the Opening of the Bicentenary: click here.
To look at the photos of the Mass of the Opening: click here.
To watch to the videos of October 12: click here.
|
Comments:
1. Fox Rock Community, Pachmarhi (guest)
Our very dear Srs. Sally, General Council and all the Provincial and participants of the Extended Council,
We are happy to tell you that we are with you as we follow each day's programme through the web site. We are praying and will continue to do so throughout the meeting that all may go well and the final decisions will be effective and fruitful for the growth of our Congregation and for the good of all the people with whom and for whom we work.
(13/10/2011 06:07:58)
2. Archana. (guest)
Dear S.Sally and sisters at the Ex.Council meeting, Hearty Congratulations to all of you on the occassion of our Jubilee year. In our community too we had the opening of the Jubilee year with a very meaningful Holy Hour....and the celebrations will follow. We prayed for you all very specially and continue to support you with our prayers.
The Photos and each days programmes are presented to us very beautifully and we are able to follow the scessions . Thanks a lot to the ICC group. All the best for the meetings of the days to come. Archana. SJC, Nagpur. Snehalaya province.
(13/10/2011 06:18:36)
3. Sunanda Pachmarhi (guest)
Dear Sally and all the sisters at EX. coouncil
Happy to follow the days programme.I was deligted to see the celebration on 12th. I am united with all in prayer.All the best for the coming days.
(13/10/2011 06:35:10)
4. Sr. Kyran and community, Pachmarhi (guest)
Dear S. Sally,General Councillors, Provincials & all the participants,
For this great occasion, we the sisters of Marian Community are united with you in prayer. May God inspire and guide you in all that you do. Good wishes for the coming days.
(13/10/2011 06:45:49)
5. sistermarinaGulati (guest)
Hello sister sally and the sisters at the extended council as the Jabalpur Community is having three days special prayer for the foundation day of our congregation we take in to consideration this beautiful point for our personal reflection.....how we can continue to make a difference as we live the mission of Christ reflected collectively at the ex council on 12th of October for me personally it is a question of deep reflection thank you very much. we are following the events daily and praying for you all.
united in prayers and with you all.
sister marina Gulati
(13/10/2011 11:31:54)
6. tanmayaprovince
Dear Sister Sally & Sisters,
12th October 2011 was a special day for us too as we had very special prayer, liturgy and Quiz on Mother Marcoux commerating the occasion of the opening of the Jubilee Year!
We are delighted to read the short report and see the colorful occasion to mark the occasion.
S. Prabha (Tanmaya)
(13/10/2011 13:28:34)
7. Sr.Lawrence SJC Jabalpur (guest)
Dear Sally and all my sisters
Happy to follow the days programme. I am united with all in prayer.All the best for the coming days.
(13/10/2011 14:13:06)
8. Sisters of Idgah Community ,Bhopal (guest)
Our Very Dear S.Sally and all our Dear Sisters,
We enjoyed watching and listening to the meaningful and inspiring talk and liturgy of the opening day of 200th Anniversary. As proud Chamberians we congratulate you dear sisters and we pray may we continue to be leaven of unity in the world and make a differnce.Praying ofr you all .
With Love,
Sister of Idgah Community, Bhopal
(13/10/2011 16:39:58)
9. S.Navya Mathew (Nirmala Province) (guest)
Dearest S.Sally,General Councillors, & all the participants,
It was awesome to know about our past and the journey which our founder and the sisters had taken to achive this jubliee year. we are prevelged to have these such dynamic people who has left great mark in our congregation. thank you all for keeping connected to the entire world. all the photos are really inspiring.
wish you all the best to you all
jabalpur community
(13/10/2011 17:35:50)
10. Sr. Cecile Coutinho (guest)
Dear S. Sally and all at the Extended Council,
It was indeed a proud moment for all of us to arrive at this milestone as chamberians to experience and imbibe the enthusiasm and the zeal of our early sisters who set the "going on" for us at this time and age. It was a moment of nostalgic memories which we had heard and prayed as we too celebrated this anniversary in our community remembering all our sisters who have led us to this day of love and rememberance.
We wish you all happy memories as you continue reflect and pray. We are all with you in prayer and rememberance as we watch and read and reflect on each days happenings. Thank you for allowing this to happen to all of us around the globe.
Love from all of us at SNEHALAYA PROVINCIAL HOUSE, Nagpur.
(13/10/2011 19:16:45)