CSJs mark anniversary

"Sound the Trumpets," a celebration of the order's founding 350 years ago in France, was held in St. Louis. The 1,500 women religious in attendance gathered to mark both the anniversary and the new millennium, according to Sister Phyllis Manda, CSJ, executive director of the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

"Every five years, we come together to talk about not only the roles of sisters, but the roles of women and how we can make our world a better place for all," she stated.

Insights

"Sister Ida reminded the audience not to believe popular media too glibly, not to buy into the `our nation is the best' mindset, and to try to create a web of justice wherever we are," Sister Kitty noted.

Other sisters got different insights from the Jubilee:

* "What gave me the most hope is that I feel the C/SSJs and associates who participated were living the heart of our original inspiration," said Sister Jeanne Anne Collins, pastoral care coordinator at St. Joseph's Provincial House in Latham.

* "The event was a lived experience," agreed Sister Mary Catharine Ryan, associate director of housing and social policy for the order. "It was awesome to be with 1,500 C/SSJs and to realize the thousands behind the group in the various communities. The zeal, openness, hope, fervor and interest in the future were inspiring."

Coming home

"This is a homecoming for the Sisters of St. Joseph," Dr. Harris stated. "When a Jubilee Year is proclaimed, it is the commandment to return to one's place and one's people. So, the sisters are returning to St. Louis, which is the first home for many of the sisters in the United States."

The experience made Sister Lucille Theroux, local director of novices for the order, become thoughtful.

It "reinforced my hope for the future," she said, remembering the order's history. "A tiny group of dedicated women living in 17th-century France, dreaming of a form of religious life then unknown, having their future shattered by the French Revolution, are the founders of the congregations of today. The grace and vision in which their experience is rooted will surely guide our shared future."

The Jubilee celebration also included a public witness against racism and discrimination, held at the St. Louis Arch; prayer and liturgical services; and 17 focus sessions on societal and women's issues.

Said Sister Marilyn Feehan, a theology teacher at Catholic Central High School in Troy: "No one was left out; no idea was ignored; associates were integral to the event; there were younger sisters and the elderly. All were heard. What a model for life!"

(07-27-00) [[In-content Ad]]