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Day of Unity and Hope: Celebrating 375 Years of our Foundation
On October 18, the extended family of the Saint Joseph (Sisters of the Institute, Lyon, Annecy, Chambery: ILAC) gathered at Le Puy, our cradle home, to commemorate the 375th anniversary of the foundation of our congregation. This long-awaited event was marked by unity, simplicity, and renewed commitment to the enduring charism of Saint Joseph.
Arrival and Welcome
A bus carrying sisters from Annecy travelled to Le Puy, joining with the Sisters of Chambéry along the way. Upon arrival, participants were warmly welcomed by the preparatory committee, whose gracious hospitality set a joyful tone for the day.The presence of many Lay Associates added vibrancy and warmth to the gathering. Approximately 250 participants attended the celebration, highlighting the broad reach and vitality of the Saint Joseph family.
Opening Prayer and Symbolic Ritual
The day began with a PowerPoint-guided prayer service, inviting all to enter into a spirit of reflection and gratitude. A symbolic offering reminded participants of the spirituality of the “Little Design,” embraced by our pioneer Sisters—marked by humility, simplicity, and service.Following the prayer, an Institute Sister presented a well-researched and engaging narration of the life of Father Jean-Pierre Médaille and the six founding Sisters. This presentation was further enriched by testimonies from individuals whose lives continue to be shaped by the charism of the congregation.An agape meal provided an atmosphere of fraternity and joyful communion, strengthening bonds among sisters and lay collaborators.
Symbolic Representation: The Tree of Life
One of the central visual elements of the celebration was a beautifully crafted macramé Tree of Life, created by two Lay Associates. Set within a dreamcatcher, this artwork symbolized the interwoven relationships between sisters and laity, tradition and mission, past and future.It also paid tribute to the lace-making heritage of Le Puy, a craft renowned for its delicacy, creativity, and patient workmanship.
Group Reflection and Sharing
In the afternoon, participants gathered for in-depth discussions around the following questions:
- How can we welcome today the charism that gives us life and nourishes us?
- In what way is it prophetic and makes us witnesses of the God of life and love for our time?
- How can we return to the source to draw energy and hope for tomorrow?
The sharing sessions were marked by attentive listening, openness, and mutual respect. Later, each group presented the fruits of their reflection to the assembly. These reflections were synthesized into a collective message, read aloud in a unified voice, expressing shared hopes and commitments for the future.
Creative Expressions and Testimonies
Although the unexpected absence of an invited actor could have disrupted the program, it instead became an opportunity for grace. Several participants came forward spontaneously to share personal testimonies about their vocation and lived experience as daughters and sons of Father Médaille.
A moving narrative on the life of Father Médaille—delivered with clarity and conviction—touched the hearts of many. Additional testimonies from France, Burkina Faso, Chad, Belgium, and Brazil highlighted the global reach and rich diversity of the Saint Joseph Federation.
Music, led by Lay Associates, lifted the celebration and deepened the prayerful atmosphere. The celebration concluded with the singing of the Magnificat, a fitting expression of gratitude for God’s faithfulness over 375 years.
Renewal of Mission 
The collaboration between sisters and lay people, the creative involvement of participants, and the spirit of trust and openness that permeated the celebration renewed a profound sense of mission. More than a commemoration, this event rekindled the shared desire to journey forward together—in simplicity, kindness, courage, and joy—in the spirit of our Founder and the pioneering Sisters.
The 375th anniversary celebration at Le Puy was a powerful reminder of our roots and an invitation to embrace the future with renewed hope. United in charism and mission, the extended Saint Joseph family continues to move forward, drawing inspiration from its rich heritage while responding to the needs of today’s world.
Congratulations to the ILAC leadership team, especially to Sr. Tessy our Delegate, whose courageous initiative made this celebration a reality! Bravo to the preparatory committee for the excellent work accomplished!
Sister Dominic SJA