Venue Information

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of came into being in response to the many human needs of a struggling world. It is the same spirit that energizes our community today and carries us into the future. Ours is a rich and moving history.

Beginnings: Historically, until the 17th century, religious life was open only to those who brought money, goods or land to the religious order they wished to join. These orders lived apart from the common people. However, in the early 1640s amid the social turmoil of wars and suffering our founders had a different vision.

Touched by the misery of the people, a small group of women came together in LePuy, in south-central France. They felt compelled to live and work among the common people, sharing their struggles and their hopes. Strengthened by the belief that they had a true calling from God, a group of six women sought the counsel of a young Jesuit priest, Jean Pierre Medaille, SJ. Under his guidance and encouragement, the first foundatio ...