Mission Effectiveness -- Reflections

Participants were asked to reflect on their experiences during the week. Here are some of their responses--in 4 languages: English, French, Italian, Portuguese.


1.  In what way has this experience been significant for you?
En quoi cette experience a-t-elle été importante pour vous?
In che modo questa esperienza è significativa per te?
Como esta experiência foi significativa para você?

Renée

As a teacher of a CSJ-sponsored school, this experience of understanding the charism in this way will help me to live the charism out and to be able to teach the charism more intentionally to my students.

Eric:  Excellent contenu, avec une belle qualité des échanges, malgré les difficultés de communication.

Raj

This experience of sharing with like-minded members has not only energized me but it has provided impetus to work with commitment and dedication. It has made me realize that mine is a small part but an important one in the whole design. To do the best in the situation that God has placed me and to leave the rest in His hands. It is His work and He knows how to complete and obtain the best of results.

Elena

Ho avuto la possibilità di assaporare la missione condiuisa mondiale delle Suore di San Giuseppe; ancora di più ho la consapevolezza di appartenere ad una famiglia dove il mio servizio non è più solo un lavoro, ma una missione.

Marco

Mi ha permesso di avere maggiore conoscenza delle S.S.G. e di addentrarmi nel carisma.

Rossella

I gained a new appreciation of how much closer I am to the Sisters of St. Joseph. I share the same purpose in life, to be in relationship with God and with others. What I did not know is that God is drawing me to them. 





2.  How do you think this experience will affect your life or work?

Comment pensez-vous que cette experience influera sur votre vie ou votre travail?
Come pensi che questa esperienza avrà effetti nella tua vita e nel tuo lavoro?
Como vai afetar sua vida ou trabalho esta experiência?




Two words: "quality relationships." This is a mantra that I will call upon both personally and professionally to live to the best of my ability every moment.

Raj

It has given me the confidence which I required desperately when I started the session. I am not alone, but there are others who are going to give their might and their best. 

Eric:  Cet enseignement sera pour moi une raison encore plus forte pour poursuivre ma mission.

Angelina

Porterò questa esperienza nelle famiglie, soprattutto nella relazione, nel dialogo tra le figlie e tutti, coloro che frequentano le case. 










3.  What is one new (or deeper) insight you gained this week?
Pouvez-vous indiquer l'idée nouvelle ou plus profonde (one nouveau regard) que vous avez retiré de cette semaine?
C'è una nuova (o profonda) intuizione che avete ricevuta in questa settimana?
Qual é uma novo(a) (ou mais profundo) explicaçáo/compreensāo que você recebeu esta semana?

Renée

I loved learning about the 6 attitudes of heart (Core Values) of unity, drawing all into one. These attitudes provide a way for me to live in a spirit of openness and to allow God to work through me. Living in this manner will allow me to see that God is part of every aspect of my life and keeps me focused on God is above all things. This attitude helps me to be open to forgiveness of myself and others and to recognize that God is life-giving in all my hardships and joys in life!! 

Andrea

"Neighbor Helping Neighbor" has been brought to a whole new level for me. The ministry I work for is based on this concept but I think my "neighborhood" just got a little bigger!

Marykutty

The only way of knowing about God is by living through our experience.

Ann Marie

You can't do it alone, you must do it in community. And it is the combined gifts of many that allow wonderful miracles to happen.

Elena

Si, la spiritualità tra le suore si esprime in modo diverso ma le radici sono comuni: si basano su una forte importanza della reazione e un legame indissolubile con il mondo laico con cui le suore interagiscono e tra cui passano "inosservate." Il loro scopo principale è aiutare, servire. Il centro comune deue rimanere l'Eucarestia che di tutti a rende uno.

Rossella

I did not realize the meaning of the word, "gift," that God has given us the gifts so that we can distribute them. I was not aware of my gifts. I always believed what Sr. Dolores said "that we cannot be in union with God if we are not in union with others. We cannot say we love God we also have to love others." I did not realize that God is, in fact, inspiring all of us, that we are part of a movement, a dance, and our desire for a world of love is pushing us to stand and dance so that we are all One in the dance.

Mission Effectiveness -- Lost Luggage

It took three days, but Sr. Dolores Clerico's luggage finally arrived  -- special delivery -- courtesy of Sr. Rita Bujold.

 Dolores is in Le Puy this week to present the Mission Effectiveness program to 16 participants with three translators, which starts on Saturday, September 22. However, she arrived in Le Puy on Thursday afternoon sans suitcase. This is the second time this has happened to her! Because most services in France are closed on weekends, she knew she had to work fast to retrieve her bag. So with the help of Centre staff member, Eluiza, the two of them worked the phones Thursday evening and all day on Friday to call the airlines and the airports to find out the bag's whereabouts.

Unfortunately, they received mixed messages. One person said the bag was in Paris. Another said it was in Montreal. Still another said it was on its way to Lyon. It seemed as though the left hand didn't know what the right hand was doing. Then on Friday afternoon, a bag was delivered to sisters in Lyon, but it was the wrong bag. That's when the airline agent said he didn't know where the bag was.

As the clock ticked toward the opening day of the program, Dolores tried to stay calm. She also planned her next moves in case her bag didn't come for days. She borrowed a night shirt, robe, and t-shirt from Centre staff member, Olga. The two went to the Super U to buy toiletries, slippers, and a hair brush. She also planned a shopping trip for some new clothes (the airlines gave her some money as compensation for her lost bag) on Saturday morning.

Finally, late Friday night, Dolores found out that her bag would arrive at the Lyon airport on Saturday morning, and Sr. Rita Bujold, who lives in Lyon, would have it delivered to her house. Rita, who was set to come to the Centre anyway to help out during the program, would then take it to Le Puy on the train with her. 

Here, Rita arrives at the Le Puy train station dragging both her suitcase and Dolores' with her.

"I always find someone to help me when I need it," said Rita. Turns out, she met two of our Indian participants who were taking the same train.

Relieved that this ordeal was finally over, Dolores (in her recently washed travel clothes) greets Rita with a big smile.

That was a close call for Dolores, who is a stickler for being well-prepared in advance. She thanks all those who were ready and willing to help her. She thanks St. Joseph, too!!

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.

Institute Sisters Visit Le Puy

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. 

Here is half of the group, which posed for a photo in the Kitchen while the other half spent time at the Living History Centre. A couple sisters broke into song there, too (see video below).

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.