FROM THE XVIIth TO XXIth THE ST CENTURY...
Around 1650, a Jesuit , J. Pierre Medaille convened a group of women willing to devote themselves to God and to the service of the community. He obtained the support of Mgr. De Maupas, bishop of Puy, for his project.
That was the beginning of the nuns of St Joseph with no uniform nor quarters of their own, devoted to God and in close relationship with the rest of the world.
Originating in the Puy, groups very early constituted in communities in towns, villages and boroughs in the neighborhood then spread into the eastern and central part of France.
Just before the revolution, there were at least 140 communities which devoted their time to helping young girls, the sick and the poor. Very early schools were founded.
During the Revolution, their works was considerably restricted.
After the Revolution, Communities reappeared. The XIX th century saw the foundation of numerous new schools grouped in self governing units in France and abroad.
After the meeting of the Council, a move in favor of fusion led to the creation of French and foreign federations. The movement grew bigger and led to the foundation of world wide federations with the benefit of enhanced desire and togetherness
Today, the French federation include the following congregations :
IN KEEPING WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE FOUNDERS
SECULAR AND RELIGIONS PEOPLE ARE PURSUING THEIR MISSION TOGETHER.
THE TREE IS GROWING
The schools under state control form a net-work all over France, Belgium and Switzerland. Under state control, these Catholic schools claim to be result of the original founders work, constantly adapting themselves to modern time.
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