Grace Under Fire: Living the Great Love in Turbulent Times

Thirteen sisters participated in a guided retreat with Janet Mock at the International Centre. The retreat began on August 28 and concluded on September 6. 

The congregations represented included Baden, Brentwood, Canada, Lyon, and Rochester.

The sisters converted the community room into a prayer room.

The sisters reflected on and prayed about the privilege and call to live the charism and spirituality of Sisters of St. Joseph by claiming its incarnational power in a world hungering for great love. 

The retreat focused on the six core virtues of our CSSJ spirituality. Each day began with Morning Prayer and a reflection by Janet Mock on one of the core virtues and its relevance in today's world. The sisters received a reflection sheet with suggestions for prayer and then had the rest of the day to pray as they wished. Each evening after dinner, the group gathered for evening prayer and shared the state of the heart.

The retreat was silent all day including breakfast and lunch. During the evening meal, the sisters talked together and told stories. 

The retreat took place within the context of our sacred spaces in Le Puy-en-Velay at the original Kitchen, Living History Centre, Cathedral of Notre Dame du Puy, Chapel of St. Michel d'Aiguilhe, Eglise du Collège, and Tree of the Martyrs. 

Sisters explore the Living History Centre

Mary Ann

Angela

Alice

Aline Benedict

 The group also spent a day in Lyon for a visit at the Heritage Room and graveside of Mother St. John Fontbonne. Sr. Rita Bujold of the Lyon Congregation served as the guide. In this photo, the group is standing with a sculpture of Mother St. John Fontbonne made by Sr. Mary Southard.

While in Lyon, the gourmet food capital of Europe, the sisters had a  chance to experience local fare in the Old City.

(L to R) Alice, Karen, Mary, and Karen

Divinia and Nida share a three-course special of the day.

Janet Mock and Rita Bujold enjoy a Lyonnaise salad

Of course, there was also room for gelato--made in the shape of a rose.

Divinia and Linda

Mary

Sisters Claude and Rita of the Lyon Congregation greet each other.

Aline makes some new friends at the Centre backyard pasture.