Historically we have no idea why we are named Sisters of St. Joseph. In all the documents about our founding, there is nothing that says, they shall be called Sisters of St. Joseph. However, reflecting on our documents and trying to live what is put forth in those documents, we can glean some thoughts.
You probably know the story: Joseph was going to quietly divorce Mary because she was pregnant. But, God spoke to him in a dream and told him to go ahead and create a family with Mary. God promised Joseph it would be alright.
Joseph had other dreams in which God spoke clearly to him and he followed what was revealed to him in these dreams. This speaks to a disposition of heart wherein Joseph listened to God’s desire for his life. Joseph in other words, was a discerner.
There is much in the spirituality of a Sister of St. Joseph that encourages us to be discerners. In our spirituality, we try to listen closely to what God desires of us. How might God want us to decide about something, we spend time in prayer, with Scripture and talking with others about where we seem to be leaning in light of God’s promptings in us.
Father Marius Nepper, a French Jesuit priest researched Fr. Medaille and the Sisters of St. Joseph. From this research he wrote a document called Portrait of a Daughter of St. Joseph. I love one of the phrases he uses in that brief description: he describes a Sister of St. Joseph as having “sleeves rolled up for ministry.”
In other words, dig in there. Don’t worry about getting dirty or even about the outcome of your labors. Do the best you can and leave the rest up to God. Joseph was a carpenter. He was a laborer. He certainly had his sleeves rolled up for his ministry.
You may know that no spoken words were ever ascribed to Joseph. He never spoke using words in the Gospel. Joseph spoke through his actions. He was in the background, hidden, clearly a humble man, who simply, but courageously and with great love was a central part of the Holy Family.
In our founding documents, Fr. Medaille, our founder, spoke often about humility and hiddenness. He said that we were to be hidden in our works. In other words, not to seek glory, or appreciation or praise. For we do what we do for God’s glory, not our own. We should minister to our dear neighbors quietly, with courage and confidence, but without fanfare, without brining attention to ourselves.
Joseph was ordinary. He was nothing special. He worked hard, he loved unconditionally, he had a deep and abiding relationship with God. With God’s grace, we Sisters who bear his name reflect these qualities: humility, discernment, courage, a willingness to do whatever is required to advance the plans of God.
Without knowing why, we are called Sisters of St. Joseph. Upon reflection though it seems a fitting name for a bunch of ordinary women who are nothing special.
– Written by Sister Sarah Crotty
