WELCOME
SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH
of Northwestern Pennsylvania
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.
We remember . . . Mary Claire Kennedy, SSJ
Sister Mary Claire Kennedy, SSJ, 96, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, died on May 23, 2025, in the 75th year of her religious life. She was born in Erie, PA, on November 24, 1928, the daughter of the late Charles and Bernice (Graney) Kennedy. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph…
We Joyfully Welcome Pope Leo
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania joyfully welcome the news of our new Pope, Leo XIV, as the leader of the Catholic Church. We are excited that he is an American, and we find great hope in the movement of the Holy Spirit that guided the conclave to this historic decision. Like Pope…
We remember . . . Mary Arnold Tann, SSJ
Sister Mary Arnold Tann, SSJ, 93, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, died on May 5, 2025, in the 73rd year of her religious life. She was born on October 15, 1931, in Hamilton, Ohio, the daughter of Arnold and Margaret Chapman Tann. Her family later moved to Erie, where she graduated…
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 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 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
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 81
ORIGINAL
Original Maxim 81
as written by Fr. Médaille
Read all Maxims
