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. 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.
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.
