Don't you think that every Sister and Associate should visit the International Center at least once in a lifetime?

To walk on the streets where our community was founded and where our Sisters of St. Joseph have worked for over 300 years is thrilling. One feels the presence of this communion of saints at the l'hopital Saint-Nicolas; where our founding sisters went to meet with poor pilgrims in in need of social services, at the Cathedral where so many of our sisters prayed, and standing by the tree where two of our sisters were guillotined. However, one of the most meaningful experiencing is knowing and seeing that our sisters are still there in Le Puy, still vibrant, and still serving the dear neighbor.

Carol Crepeau, a team member at the International Centre shares that "Walking the streets of Le Puy is not only walking the past for me. I walk with my eyes on the future wondering how we in the global community of St Joseph are being called to another paradigm shift in religious life. Medaille and our first six women continue to nudge me into a relationship with God, the dear neighbor, all of creation that is faithful to our original inspiration and still alive and evolving. WOW!"

Rita Baum, another of the current staff at the International Center recently commented, "I've been especially touched by meeting the sisters who have visited the center, especially those who minister in Pakistan, Egypt and Africa, and realizing that we all are one."

Gracy Thomas, a third member of the staff, speaks fondly of the International Center saying, "For me, I am happy and grateful to God to be in this place of origin. It reminds me of the global community of Sisters of St. Joseph, the connectedness we have and the path that our founders and foundresses left for us to show us the way."

Rita again comments that the Center is a place of broad membership that we all belong to which began here but truly has spread all over the world.

If so, they will get it translated, however efforts will be made to avoid duplication of translation where possible. To facilitate translation, most items sent will be translated by Chambery into French, English, Portuguese, Italian and Scandinavian. The US Federation will get articles translated either into or out of English and Spanish. The US Federation will attempt to find resources for Japanese. All groups will continue to use the current template so that it is still clear that it is the "Together in Mission" publication.

Maybe this year is the time for you to consider a visit to Le Puy. The link to the 2012 schedule is on the front of the Federation website. Perhaps you would prefer a more individualized or small group pilgrimage. That's possible too. Visit the International Center website and see.

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