 We claim a common origin with many other Sisters of St. Joseph throughout the world. In 1650, in Le Puy , France , Jean- Pierre Medaille S.J. gathered together six women to form a community who, without cloister or habit, would offer their lives to minister to the most needy in their area. These women cared for the sick, the aged, the orphans, and the imprisoned; they instructed young girls, guided devout women in their faith, and worked tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of the poor. The congregation flourished in France for over 100 years until the Sisters were dispersed during the revolution from 1789-1794. Many sisters were imprisoned in this time of religious persecution; five suffered martyrdom. In 1807, the congregation was restored by Mother St. John (Jeanne Fontbonne) in Lyon , France . A small group came to Carondolet , Missouri , in 1836. From there they spread rapidly throughout the United States and Canada . From the mission established in Toronto in 1851, the foundation in Peterborough was birthed in 1890.
Throughout our history, the basic desire of the first sisters to reflect "a profound love of God and of neighbour without distinction" remains the touchstone of our identity as Sisters of St. Joseph. |
