by Sr. Bonnie McMenamin
The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, was founded in LePuy, France in 1650, by a Jesuit priest, Father Jean-Pierre Medaille. As active contemplative women religious, the Sisters have always been \”dedicated to the practice of all the spiritual and corporal works of mercy … which will most benefit the dear neighbor\” (History of the Congregation).
In 1836, The Sisters of St. Joseph began \”their missionary\” work in America when they responded to the request of Bishop Joseph Rosati, CM, the first bishop of St. Louis. In St. Louis, the Sisters established a school for Native American and Deaf children.
The Sisters arrived in Philadelphia in 1847 to staff St. John’s Orphanage and because of their willingness to engage in various ministries, they soon became known by \”their spirit ready for any good work.\”
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