History of the Sisters of St. Joseph
In the mid 16002, six ordinary women joined together in community under the patronage of St. Joseph in LePuy, France.
They worked to support themselves by making lace, a common trade in that region of France.
The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet traces its origin to and follows the spirit of the foundation
made by Jean Pierre Medaille, S.J. The members of the community dedicate themselves to the "practice of all the spiritual
and corporal works of mercy of which woman is capable and which will most benefit the dear neighbor."
Mother St. John Fontbonne, a heroic woman who narrowly escaped the guillotine,
refounded the Sisters of St. Joseph at Lyon, France in 1807.
In 1836, eight women were chosen to make the first foundation in the United States.
They arrived in Carondelet, Missouri, a small town outside St. Louis. This foundation was destined
to become the cradle of the American congregation.
Today, the sister's ministries include teaching, parish work, health care, retreat work
and spiritual direction; they also conduct outreach centers.
The Congregation grew throughout the United States. Province houses were established
in St. Louis, MO, Albany, NY, St. Paul, MN and Los Angeles, CA with vice-provinces in Hawaii, Japan, and Peru.
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