Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto

The Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland sent us this video of Tina Tamburro recognizing Catholic Sisters Week by speaking of her long association with the Ursuline S...isters of Cleveland where she is now on their Advisory Board. Share your videos on social media with #catholicsistersweek! Visit the Ursuline Sisters' Catholic Sisters Week: https://catholicsistersweek.org//rising-to-the-challenge-/ #CatholicSistersWeek #CelebratingTraditions #changingtheworld

This delightful candle holder created by Sister Helen Kluke is entitled "Circle of Friends." Sister Helen, Ministry Director and Teacher at Studio on the Hill (Fontbonne Ministries) was inspired during one of the Sisters’ congregation-wide Chapter meetings. #creativesisterscsj

#WisdomWednesdaysCSJ with Sister Rosemary Fry: Transfiguration Last Sunday during Mass, the story of Jesus transfiguration of Jesus on the Mount was read. Right, I have heard this story before! ... Some apostles go up a mountain with Jesus. Jesus shines like the sun. A voice resounds: This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him. The Apostles are afraid but with assurance they decide they like the effect and want to pitch a tent and stay there. Jesus does not agree and so they go back down the mountain. So I ask myself: what does this story have to do with me? In his homily Father Denis Mc Bride CSsR suggested a meaning for me and I have been reflecting on it ever since. The meaning is LOVE. The Father looked at the Son with LOVE. Jesus was transfigured, he shone, he was radiant. A regard of love has power A regard of love transforms People flock to a regard of love. How many people in the gospel did Jesus transform and heal with a regard of love? This week, do I want my regard of the other to transfigure or disfigure? Do I have this power within me to make those in my life to shine like the Son? Go for it! Practice the regard of LOVE! Let your beauty shine in me Lord Shine in my heart, my mind, my soul. Let your beauty shine in me Lord Shine and make me whole. - Margaret Rizza and Kevin Mayhew Ltd

On March 3, 1759, Sister Jeanne Fontbonne was born in Bas-en-Basset, Haute Loire, France. Known as Mother St. John Fontbonne, she is remembered for re-establishing the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1807 Lyon -- after the French Revolution had previously forced the congregation to disband. With her leadership, Sisters of St. Joseph once again began their mission of addressing unmet needs. #CSJToronto170

Today, November 22, marks an important date for all Sisters of St. Joseph: The Feast of Mother St. John Fontbonne. Jeanne Fontbonne, better known by her religious name, Mother St. John, re-established the Sisters of St. Joseph after the French Revolution. With bravery and faith, she persevered through extremely difficult times including: prison, death of her fellow Sisters, and disbandment of her community. After narrowly escaping the guillotine herself, she re-established the Sisters of St. Joseph in Lyon, France, in 1807. We thank Mother St. John for creating a new beginning for the Sisters and rebuilding their unique spirit, their unifying love, and their love of God and neighbour without distinction. #CSJToronto170

#creativesistersCSJ: This week, we share a photograph from Sister Susan Davy who writes of this image: "The spiritual practice of photography often invites me into a process of contemplation. What an awe-inspiring moment of Grace -- to stand at the edge of the ocean experiencing the birth of a new day. This is a place of prayer and praise and overflowing gratitude. This is holy ground."

#WisdomWednesdaysCSJ with Sister Rosemary Fry: November, starting with the Feasts of All Saints and then All Souls, usually means short dark rainy days and lots of remembering. This November has been different, however. We have been blessed with several days of sunshine and warm temperatures. My walks have increased above my usual November average. As I delighted in shuffling through the piles of bright coloured leaves, I spent my time remembering. ... All my ancestors, those in my own family, yes, but also those in my religious family, the Sisters of St. Joseph, have been with me, along with all those we call to mind for Remembrance Day this month. I have researched my family history and there I found valiant models for living with adversity. I love the stories of the strength and courage of Mother Delphine and all my Sisters in those early days in St. Paul’s Parish, during the second half of the 19th century. Memories come of my parents, and the Sisters who have been wisdom figures for me, who have molded and shaped my life. Then one day, as I perused the computer, I found the words of the American writer, Linda Hogan, in a Google search. Her words give a deeper meaning to my wandering and remembering. Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still, they say. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands. Be still; stop your restless questioning. Those who have gone before you are with you. They are no longer living with mystery. They know, They love. They guide. Excerpted poem from Dwellings: A Spiritual History of the Living World, by Linda Hogan, lindahoganwriter.com

Wishing our staff and friends a Happy Diwali.