October 15, 2020
"... it seems to me that I can already see our association, which in reality is nothing, established in many places ... God wants it to extend throughout the Church ...!" (J.P. Médaille, SJ)
Dear Sisters and Associates,
Happy Feast!
370 years ago, a small seed was sown in Le Puy-en-Velay. It germinated, was nourished, grew, opened up to new realities, welcomed different cultures and produced new seeds that, in turn, gave rise to a “Little Design”, which became a large forest, with unique colors, shapes and fragrances, marked by rich cultural diversity.
Today, with great joy, we celebrate 370 years of presence of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph on five continents. We wish to celebrate the lives of our pioneers and of those who continue to live our mission of communion, animated by the dynamism of our Charism of Unity and Reconciliation, a charism that is always relevant and necessary because it is rooted in the Gospel and ed in the heart of the Church.
May the celebration of our Foundation Day energize us to expand our presence, with an attitude of openness, generosity and availability, embracing the realities of our world that are in need of peace, unity and hope. We pray for the grace to find new ways in how we can live the Little Design, so as to become larger sparks of love, unity and life that nourish and encourage those who hunger and thirst for greater meaning in life and for a better tomorrow for all.
With love and gratitude for you,
Sr. Sally Hodgdon
Sr. Ieda M. Tomazini
Sr. Mariaelena Aceti
Sr. Philo Pazhoora
