Twenty-seven sisters from Africa (Algeria, Chad, Congo, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, and Senegal) and France spent two days in Le Puy August 13-14. They are members of the Institute of the Sisters of St. Joseph. They visited the Kitchen, the Living History Centre and the International Centre.
The sisters at the retirement house treated them to refreshments while the visiting sisters provided some beautiful singing and dancing.
The sisters spent the next morning at the Centre learning about its mission and ministry to the sisters, associates, partners, and friends from all over the world.
The sisters also toured the Centre, which was formerly the Institute's home for its retired sisters. Many changes have been made since the 50-year-old building was turned into the International Centre in 2004.
After déjeuner, the sisters "hit the streets" of Le Puy to see historical sites important to the Sisters of St. Joseph.
They visited Place du Martouret where four sisters were guillotined during the French Revolution as well as St. Regis Church where Fr. Medaille once preached. Fortunately, there were a couple sisters from Le Puy who added some historical stories about the early sisters.
They visited Martine's Lace Shop on the Rue des Tables and watched her make lace. The founding sisters earned their living as lacemakers.
