Opening of the Council of the Congregation on The Island of Reunion

Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny gathered from the four corners of the world for this meeting of Provincials with the Superior General and the General Council.

The purpose of the gathering is to tell our Cluny Story giving praise and thanks to our God, read the 'Signs of the Times', maintain and strengthen the unity of the congregation and coordinate the General Chapter Orientations and Capitular Decrees of 2012 as we move the 'agenda' of the Congregation forward during the next three years to the General Chapter of 2018.

Painting of Anne Marie Javouhey's Dream Vision

Reunion, established in 1817 (Bourbon Island) was the first overseas travel of our sisters from Paris after Anne Marie Javouhey founded the Congregation in 1807 in Cluny, France. From Reunion the Clunys traveled in 1827 to Pondicherry, India and in 1861 to the Islands of Seychelles and Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. This was the beginning of the Missionary Thrust of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny and the fulfillment of the dream of Anne Marie Javouhey in which she was given the image of children of all colors from around the world and told this was her mission. Here in Reunion this dream image was painted and has become a favorite painting of the sisters. May God continue to bless these Missionary Women from every continent and the many diverse works entrusted to them.

Sr. Luke's View Arriving to Reunion

Cluny Around the World

Happy 99th Birthday, Sister Joseph!

On a beautiful Newport spring day, Sister Joseph Edwards celebrated the 99^th year of the gift of life.  Praying in gratitude with her were the residents of St. Clare’s in Newport and Cluny Sisters.  After Mass, the Cluny Sisters present joined Sister in the dining room for a delicious dinner, a specially prepared birthday cake and the traditional blowing out of the candles with a most sincere singing of Happy Birthday.  

  

When asked what were some of her most memorable moments of life in Newfoundland, France, India, Philadelphia and Newport, she responded with a gentle, grateful smile and said, “the love and care of my sisters.”  

We are blessed to have Sister Joseph as an example of each of us.

Earth Day

Celebrating Earth’s Abundance

On Earth Day, let us renew our awareness of this planet’s abundant gifts and the graciousness of their Giver.

Sister Mary Patrice and other Cluny Sisters celebrate the gift of creation. This Gingko tree was planted in 1848 by Blessed Anne-Marie on the Motherhouse grounds in Paris, France. Firmly rooted in the fertile earth, exposed to sun and wind, this gingko has flourished for 160 years. It is a symbol of longevity, peace, hope and healing.





Canticle of the Sun

This prayer, written in 1225 by St. Francis of Assisi, honors the elements, the animals, the heavens, and the earth.  It has been adapted in poetry and song for centuries, and is perhaps most familiar as the song "Morning Has Broken" by Cat Stevens. Francis believed that everything in the natural world was a gift from God and, as such, deserved to be appreciated and valued. Because of this, Francis refers to the sun, wind, air, and fire as his brothers, and to the moon, stars, earth, water, and death as his sisters.

   

Most high, omnipotent, good Lord,

Praise, glory and honor and benediction all, are Yours.

To You alone do they belong, most High,

And there is no one fit to mention You.

Praise be to You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,

Especially to my worshipful brother sun,

That which lights up the day, and through him You brightness give;

And beautiful is he and radiant with splendor great;

Of You, most High, signification gives.

Praised be my Lord, for sister moon and for the stars,

In heaven You have formed them clear and precious and fair.

Praised be my Lord for brother wind

And for the air and clouds and fair and every kind of weather,

By that which You give to Your creatures nourishment.

Praised be my Lord for sister water,

That which is greatly helpful and humble and precious and pure.

Praised be my Lord for brother fire,

By the which You lightest up the dark.

And fair is he and gay and mighty and strong.

Praised be my Lord for our sister, mother earth,

That which sustains and keeps us

And brings forth diverse fruits with grass and flowers bright.

Praised be my Lord for those who for Your love forgive

And weakness bear tribulation.

Blessed those who shall in peace endure,

For by You, most High, shall they be crowned.