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.
Let Go of the Rope
A Lenten reflection by SSJ Agrégée Tammy Van Buren The story goes that an experienced climber had almost reached the top of the mountain when he lost his footing and plunged backward toward the ground. “God! Help me!” the man cried out in desperation. As quickly as he had been falling, he came to a…
Are You There, Child? It’s Me: God
A Lenten reflection by SSJ Agrégée Charlene Kellerman How does God speak to you? Does God have a love language known and understood only between you and God? I believe so. How is it that two (or three or more) people can hear or experience the exact same thing, and, for one, it may be…
Being a Human Being
A Lenten reflection by SSJ Agrégée Betsy Wiest Each year when Lent rolls around, conversations abound about what we will “give up.” Will it be chocolate, fast food, TV, Facebook, etc? In reality, giving up any of these items doesn’t do what Lent is intended to do, and that is to be introspective and bring…
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
