by Eileen McGuire, C.S.J.

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Brentwood, New York have served in our parish of St. Charles Borromeo since 1964. The Congregation began in Le Puy-en-Velary in southwestern France in 1650. Founded by Jesuit Rev. John Pierre Medaille and Bishop Henry de Maupas, the Sisters worked among the poor, cared for orphans, conducted homes for working girls, catechized prisoners and nursed the sick. All to answer the needs of the times.

During the French Revolution, five Sisters of Saint Joseph were martyred at the guillotine. In 1836 the Sisters were invited to work in America. They established motherhouses throughout the country and have continued many of the works begun in France—new ones have been added also.

The Sisters came to Brooklyn in 1856 and since that time have ministered in various apostolates in all areas of Long Island, as well as in Puerto Rico, South America and numerous places in the United States.

Today, Sisters of Saint Joseph continue to have individualized motherhouses throughout the world. These motherhouses are part of the Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

For more information about the Sisters of Saint Joseph, please visit their Brentwood, L.I. Motherhouse website.