20th Anniversary Celebration of the International Centre a Big Success -- October 17

 

The International Centre celebrated 20 years of service to the hundreds of people each year who make pilgrimages to the city where the first six sisters and Fr. Médaille founded the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1650. Many members of the team that created the Centre were present as well as those who today support the Centre and its programs and pilgrimages. The First Team of sisters who prepared the building were also on hand for the celebration.

Sr. Sheila Holly, a member of the First Team at the Centre, reunites with Janine Rocher, a neighbor who was there at the beginning. Janine's husband (deceased) provided the many repairs needed for renovation of the building.

 

 

Sr. Simone Saugues (Institute St. Joseph) goes over the final script for French-English translation with Sr. Eluiza de Andrade (Sao Paulo, Brazil), member of the Centre staff. Sr. Simone has been a translator, interpreter of French culture, and friend of various staff members since the Centre's beginning. Sr. Catherine Frommager (Lyon) is behind the two sisters. She was on the original Board of the Centre and contributed much to the renovation of the building.

 

Sr. Maryellen Kane (Brentwood, USA), president of the Centre Board, served as the emcee for the program. The program included a short talk about the formation of the Centre by Sr. Catherine Barrange, former superior general of the Lyon Congregation as well as a greeting by Daniel Joubert, mayor of Aiguilhe, and Vicar General Emmanuel Dursapt from the Diocese of Le Puy. The prayer service was prepared by the First Team of the Centre. To see the prayer service, click on the following languages: French, English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. 

Sr. Colette (Lyon), Sr. Lucia (Italian Federation), and Sr. Celine (Chambéry) help to transform the dining room.

 

 

The First Team with Sr. Maryellen Kane, president of the Centre Board.

(left to right) Sr. Mary Diesbourg (Canada), Sr. Sheila Holly (Philadelphia), Sr. Maryellen, Sr. Josette Gocella (Erie, PA).

(Below) Sr. Marie-Louise Vulliez (Annecy) and Sr. Gemma Delmasso (Italian Federation) with Sr. Catherine Barrange (Lyon). These three sisters were on the original Board of the Centre who helped make it a reality in 2000. Sr. Catherine remained on the Board for the next 20 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sr. Elsa Maria Nóbile (Argentina), brought a gift to the Centre representing the love of God with beauty and eternity. She is a member of the Global Coordinating Group (GCG). The GCG was on hand for its meetings that took place after the anniversary celebration. The Centre Board had its meetings before the event.

 

Sr. Colette Soro and Superior General Judy Donovan, members of the Lyon Congregation Leadership Team. They are new members of the Centre and the Global Coordinating Group, respectively, following their election last year.

 

 

Bishop Yves Baumgarten was unable to attend the anniversary celebration so he sent Fr. Emmanuel Dursapt, vicar general, in his place. The Bishop, however, came to visit with the sisters of the Global Coordinating Group on the next day. 

Sr. Barbara Bozak (Chambéry) and Sr. Marie Paul Rascle, former superior general of the Institute St. Joseph, were both among those who helped create the Centre. Previously, the building was a home for the Institute's retired sisters. It had lain empty for 10 years and needed to be cleaned, renovated, and updated for use as the new International Centre for programs and pilgrimages.

 

 

Fr. Paul Chamaly, former pastor of Les Carmes, was an early supporter and friend of the sisters and the International Centre. Fr. Emmanuel Dursapt, vicar general, represented Bishop Baumgarten, the bishop of Le Puy, and gave the sisters and the Centre a blessing. Here, he shares a story or two with Mayor Daniel Joubert of Aiguilhe, the small town adjacent to Le Puy where the Centre is located.

 

 

 

 

(left) Mmes. Janine Rocher and Sophie Gimbert, both neighbors and friends of the First Team, talk with Gilles Nouvet, the shepherd who now uses the Centre "backyard" for his 20 sheep.  (right) Sr. Marie Paul Rascle and Sr. Monique Pralong (Institute). Sr. Monique managed and lived at the Centre for 16 years when it was a retirement home for the Institute sisters.

The sisters witness the cutting of the cake. Sr. Breda Gaynei, superior general of the Annecy Congregation (seated).

 

 

(left to right) Sr. Elisabeth (Annecy), Sr. Lanto Razanajatovo (Aoste-Madagascar), and Sr. Jona Chinnappan (Chambéry).  Sr. Celine Kalathoor (Chambéry), Sr. Lucia Gallo (Cuneo, Italy) and Mme. Carole Umana (Canadian Federation).

Food offerings both delight the palate and beautify the table

Sr. Marie Louise Vulliez (Annecy), one of the original Board members, cuts the anniversary cake.

St. Augustine (Florida) Pilgrimage -- September 16-20

A group of sisters, associates, and friends of the St. Augustine Congregation (Florida--USA) held a two-week pilgrimage in France. Before coming to Le Puy they visited Lourdes, Paris, Toulouse, and Lisieux.

The 20-member group was led by Sr. Rita Baum, who has been the coordinator of the St. Augustine associates. Sr. Rita is a former staff member of the International Centre.

The pilgrims visited the Kitchen and other historical sites of the Sisters of St. Joseph. They not only got to know the city of Le Puy, but to witness and participate in the annual King of the Birds Renaissance Festival. 

The St. Augustine Congregation is the only congregation in the United States whose roots are directly from Le Puy-en-Velay. 

Life at the Centre

Eleven members of the group stayed overnight at the Centre while nine others stayed at the Ibis Hotel. Each day the group met for Mass and dinner.

                                                       

 Mary Ann visited the Centre 13 years ago. She painted these two pictures and gave them to the Centre where they still hang on the top floor. She and her artist-friend, Carolyn, spent much time sketching scenes of the pilgrimage.

                                

                   
                                                   

 

 

Visiting Le Puy

 

One of the first stops in Le Puy was a visit to the Kitchen. After a prayer there, the group gathered for a blessing.

   

  

 

    

                                     

 

Deacon Lou assisted Fr. Tim at Mass.

 

 

 

The group visited the Sisters' Chapel near the Kitchen where they also had Mass. The chapel has a close tie to the St. Augustine Congregation because the sisters who went to Florida to educate the newly-freed American slaves took their vows in this chapel. They were also sent on mission from this chapel. It was a meaningful moment of history and legacy.

 

 

 

 

 The group visited the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. One of the pilgrims tried out the Healing Stone.

 

 

Some lovely ladies strike a dramatic pose.