The congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny has approximately 2400 sisters in 57 countries, 30 provinces across 5 continents, working in education, health, evangelization and social action.

May 12th Foundation Day

In the hearts of Cluny Sisters around the world today there is a great joy and deep gratitude for the charism that has been given to the congregation and the mission that has been entrusted to them since the beginning.

•          to know and do the Holy Will of God through
           discernment and total availability   
•          to sow seeds of hope and compassion reaping
            a harvest of liberation and justice
•          to be a sign for our world through community
           Life - a place of personal growth, spiritual 

           support, conversion and pardon, discernment,

           shared mission and caring

•          to be grounded in prayer and contemplatives in                action, celebrating and nurturing our

            relationship with God in many different ways

 

The Beginnings

Anne Marie Javouhey, born on

November 10, 1779 in a village in Burgundy, France, heard the Spirit’s call to proclaim God’s love for all persons without distinction of race, religion or social status, throughout the five continents.     

 

On May 12, 1807, nine young women pronounced their vows of religion before the Bishop of Autun in St. Peter’s Church, Chalon. "Now we are religious!" wrote Sister Anne Marie who from now on could give free rein to her dynamic spirit. The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny was born. After three years the congregation and works had grown and another house was needed.

 

Anne Marie’s father, Balthasar Javouhey bought for his daughters the former Recollets Convent in Cluny. Soon the name Cluny, linked to that of the Sisters of St. Joseph, would be known throughout the world on five continents.

 

On  May 12th, our Foundation Day, Cluny Sisters and their Associates and Collaborators in mission around the world celebrate their MISSIONARY CALL that began in 1807 in response to the needs of that time and the urgings of the Holy Spirit – a remarkable Pentecost

Happy  Foundation  Day,  Cluny Sisters!

Happy Mother’s Day

 

                     Hail, holy Queen,

 Mother of mercy,

hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you do we cry,

poor banished children of Eve:

to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

Turn then, most gracious Advocate,

your eyes of mercy toward us,

and after this our exile,

show unto us the blessed fruit

of your womb, Jesus,

O merciful, O loving,

O sweet Virgin Mary!

Amen.

Today we honor our mothers, living and dead,

and we honor Mary, our Mother and

Mother of Mercy

 Thank you God for the gift of all women In our lives who have …

Given us Life

 Nurtured us

 Taught us

 Sacrificed for us

 Forgave us

 Companioned us

 Embraced us

 Loved us

May we too be Mothers of Mercy and Love to All Peoples

 

Sister Mavis Reports

 

My Time  in  Prison

Sister Mavis, a Cluny Sister newly arrived to our Province of the USA, reports for us a recent ministry experience with the Los Angeles Archdiocese’s PREP program.  Here is her account:

It was a beautiful morning when Sister Mary Sean and I drove from Lincoln Heights to meet Skip, a very good friend of PREP who drove us to Coalinga Pleasant Valley State Prison for the monthly visit. 

As we travelled, the mountains with its green shrubs and beautiful flowers brought me a sense of peace and admiration for the beauty of creation.

Being a first visit of a prison for me,  I was grateful for the opportunity.

Today was a special day for these men who are taking steps and measures to reform their lives by taking the PREP Insight Courses and many other courses to improve their lives, with the hope of giving back to their society in a better way. 

The graduation ceremony, for those who have completed the PREP Insight Courses, is well organized by the program facilitators. It is a simple celebration. I had personally envisaged prison as a place where inmates are usually sad, but to my amazement, these men were so positive and hopeful because of the impact the PREP Insight  Courses have had on their lives. I was inspired and touched by their humility and friendliness that created a welcoming atmosphere for our interactions with them.

I was particularly amazed and grateful to see some of the family members that had come: wives, children and friends, supporting with pride their loved ones in this program.  The support from family and friends provides so much hope and strength to carry on in bettering their lives.

It was exciting and I was humbled to sit at a table with the inmates, sharing pizza, and cake while having conversation with them. For a moment, we seem to forget that we were behind bars and enjoyed the present moment of family, mentors and congratulations!

My first experience of visiting a prison has helped me to develop a better attitude and deepened my respect for the dignity of each and all peoples.  It also offered me an understanding in my work with PREP.  I am so humbled to be a sign of hope to these beloved sons of God who were lost and are now looking for the path home to their God who cares for them; the God of forgiving love and second chances for all who never left them alone.  I rejoice with this transformation of Incarcerated Men to ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ during this Jubilee Year.  

Deo Gratias!  The Lord has Risen, Indeed!

Partnership for Re-Entry Program
https://lacatholics.org/departments-ministries/partnership-for-re-entry-program-prep/


What Is Restorative Justice
RESTORE   REBUILD   RECONNECT
www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-e&q=restorative+justice