At a gathering of Sisters of Saint Joseph, we heard a presentation entitled: "You will get where you are going by remembering who you are." It is this remembering that I will pursue.

The history of the Sisters of Saint Joseph begins in 1650 in Le Puy en Velay, France. The original members dedicated themselves to prayer and the care of widows and orphans, training them to make lace and ribbon, in order that they might be self-sufficient.

In 2004, the many Congregations of Sisters of Saint Joseph that trace their roots to France, established an International Center, in Le Puy. Here research for our “Collaborative History Project” is taking place. Sisters, experienced in the art of spiritual direction and steeped in the charism and history of Community, staff the Center. It is at this center that I will read, pray and delve into our documents in order to "remember who I am" and share more fully in our mission of unity and reconciliation "That all may be one."

I will also study lace making at a local school as a manual art, prayer, design and means for promoting unity.