"You are few, but like a swarm of bees, you will disperse everywhere. You will be as numerous as the stars. In multiplying, always keep the simplicity and humility that should characterize the daughters of St. Joseph. "

My very dear sisters,

       As the month of October unfolds itself, we the Sisters of St. Joseph, all over the world become nostalgic, sentimental, jubilant, excited, and celebrative. Yes, it is a month full of historical events, celebrations, and efforts to embrace our past, to nurture our present through spiritual renewals, adopting refounding strategies, evaluations which lead us to re-visioning and re-energizing and moving towards creating a brighter future through empowerment  and strengthening the membership and leadership.

       This year, we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Foundation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery. With a heart full of sacred memories we honour Mother St. Jean Marcoux, the foundress of our beloved Congregation and thank God for her wonderful and inspiring legacy. It is apt to recall to mind some of her outstanding qualities of life.

       Mother St. Jean Marcoux was a strong woman who relied only on God. Nothing was daunting to her when it was a question of the glory of God and the service of the neighbour. Always available to be called, she peacefully faced difficulties and the most insurmountable obstacles, putting them before the Lord in prayer. Therein, she drew her strength, exhorting her sisters to the practice of the presence of God. She never sought her own interests, always having the good of the mission as her goal.

       She was a woman of the heart, attentive to every physical or moral suffering, sensitive to the poor as well as to the rich. She was a woman of reconciliation who through her gentleness, good will and especially through her humility was able to calm the most violent conflicts.

       Mother Marcoux is indeed an admirable woman: a woman of faith, valor, daring, dependability, ingenuity and indomitable spirit. She was quick to act, generous of heart and ready to respond to any need. Mother Marcoux lived fully Fr. Medaille's wish for the members of the Congregation: "They will be all for God and the dear neighbour, nothing for themselves."

       It would be good if we take these reflections personally or in groups for deepening our identity as a Sister of St. Joseph. "We become what we contemplate" they say. May Mother Marcoux challenge us to be a woman of deep interiority, generosity and charity.