WELCOME

SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH

of Northwestern Pennsylvania

SLIDE-02

Come to the Waters, is a history of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania written by Leonie Shanley, SSJ, and Mary Francis Becker, SSJ, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Sisters of St. Joseph in the Diocese of Erie in 2010. Click here to explore the book.

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News

Discovering LIFE ~in the Desert

Jesus, following his baptism by John, was driven by the Spirit, to spend time in the desert for forty days. There he wrestled with temptations and questions about who he was and how he was to live his deepest call in relationship with his Father and with others. Fifteen years ago, I was drawn to experience life…

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We remember . . . James Francis Mulligan, SSJ

James Francis Mulligan, SSJ, age 97, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, died on February 26, 2023. She was in the 76th year of her religious life. Sister James Francis was born in Meadville, PA, on April 2, 1925, the daughter of the late James Francis and Luella (Duffy) Mulligan. She entered…

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SYNOD: Rather than Divide Us, Our Diversity Should Be a Source of Strength

Common themes within the Synod reports resonate with all of us and call us to hope. A major theme that was frequently mentioned as integral to being a more welcoming Church revolved around removing barriers to accessibility and embracing those with special needs and their families, particularly as it relates to an individual’s sacramental life.   …

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Maxims — A Modern Take

More than 360 years ago, Father Jean Pierre Médaille, SJ, composed the Maxims of the Little Institute, 100 short sayings to help the first Sisters of St. Joseph grow in virtue. We share them here, along with contemporary translations developed by Susan Wilcox, CSJ, Brentwood, and a group of her students.

maxim-MODERN-12

MAXIM 12

ORIGINAL

Choose to bear all the evils of time rather than the least of eternity, all the evils of nature rather than the least deprivation of grace, since all kinds of reasons illumined by faith teach you to live according to this truth.

Original Maxim 12
as written by Fr. Médaille

maxim-MODERN-26

MAXIM 26

ORIGINAL

Seek in everything God's contentment and not anything else, and the better to practice this, remember in the entire living out of your life, in desolation, in sick¬ness, etc., to desire God's greater contentment without giving a thought to your own interests.

Original Maxim 26
as written by Fr. Médaille

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MAXIM 54

ORIGINAL

Empty yourself of all human respect and of the least blameworthy concession, and declare, with a generous heart, never to yield in anything that would be against God's will.

Original Maxim 6
as written by Fr. Médaille

maxim-MODERN-81

MAXIM 81

ORIGINAL

Whatever the virtue you recognize in yourself, never turn away from a true fear of God, conscious that his judgments are unfathomable and that his appraisals are quite different from ours.

Original Maxim 81
as written by Fr. Médaille

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