Mother St. John Fontbonne: Re-Founder

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Sisters of St. Joseph around the world celebrate November 22 as the feast of Mother St. John Fontbonne, the woman who re-established the congregation after the French Revolution. This year, the 200th anniversary of the ‘re-founding,’ called for a special celebration.

Here in Toronto the Mustard Seed is a centre of ministry. Situated downtown and open to all, it was a fitting place to gather for something special on this day. An invitation was issued to Sisters, Associates, young people and those who attend Delphine's Table to gather, enjoy one another's company, and remember.

By 6 o'clock, more than 70 persons ranging from eight months to 80+ years had arrived; many had gathered beforehand at St. Paul's Basilica for mass at 4:30 p.m. The "meet and greet" was helped along by cheese and crackers, and eventually everyone found a chair and the line-up for dinner began. Sister Ann Delaney’s chili and Sister Georgette Gregory’s stew were great hits.

Next thing we knew, three unusual guests arrived: Mother St, John and two of her Sisters, dressed in the well-remembered habit. They told us their story (which is also our story) of a congregation over 100 years old, forced to disband by the horror of the French Revolution. And of Mother St. John who was scheduled for execution, but saved by the fall of Robespierre. It was she who, 200 years ago, gathered many of the women who had been scattered and re-founded the Sisters of St. Joseph as we know them today.

After dessert and coffee and a toast to all Sisters of St. Joseph, then and now, the crowd, who had enjoyed the evening and the company, made its way home.

Written by Mary Buckley CSJ

December 3, 2008