375 Years and Counting

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia, Kansas joined congregations around the world in celebrating the 375th anniversary of their founding. The Sisters of St. Joseph began with six women meeting in small kitchen in Le Puy, France in 1650. These six women had a common desire to grow in their love of God and serve the unmet needs of the people around them, whom they came to call their “dear neighbors.” These women, with the spiritual direction of a Jesuit priest, Jean Pierre Medaille, formed the first community of Sisters of St. Joseph which grew to include communities all over the world.
Today, the mission of these congregations moves them to respond in a spirit of unifying, reconciling love to the needs of their local communities, the people of God, and the global communities in which they live, as they love God and neighbor, without distinction.

The Concordia congregation celebrated during a week in assembly with several of their members and Associates from other cities and states meeting to sing, pray, reconnect, and report on the various committees and missions that they are involved in.
One of the special events during assembly was, The Flame From Le Puy, a special skit by student, Nambu Nguyen, which depicted the first 150 years of the Communities of St. Joseph. The production was a group effort by many Sisters, and was an entertaining treat for all who were present. The program continued with readings from several Sisters of their history throughout the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.
The celebratory week culminated in a special Mass and joyous ceremony of 1st vows taken by Ha Pham in her journey to join the Sisters of St. Joseph community.