Sisters of St.Joseph of Cluny

Anne Marie Javouhey was born in Burgundy, France, in 1779. In November 1798 she consecrated her life to God in a private ceremony in her brother's house. The Order of St. Joseph of Cluny was founded on 12th May 1807 when Anne Marie was joined by eight other young girls, including her three sisters who took formal vows and donned the blue and black habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, which tradition maintains, was shown to the Foundress by Our Blessed lady. They dedicated themselves to the instruction of children and the care of orphans. The simple motto which they adopted was 'The Holy Will of God'. Anne Marie was elected Superior General of the new Order. At the time of her death on 15th July 1851 she left behind 1,200 sisters spread over 140 communities in the five continents of the world. In 1950 she was beatified by Pope Pius XII. It was on 12th May 1896 that Mother Gabriel Horner and Sisters Anastasia O'Brien, Serapien Mulligan and Speciosa Nolan arrived in Ferbane, The arrival of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny was greeted with great jubllatlon.The main aim of the Congregation in Ferbane was to provide the children with education and to do parish work. Over the years many young girls from this parish and surrounding parishes have joined the Congregation and travelled as missionaries to the ends of the earth. The people of Ferbane have reason to be grateful to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny for the enormous contribution they have made here in the fields of education and pastoral service. They have played a pivotal and enriching role in all aspects of parish life, while their involvement in the education of the young has been inspirational. In the schools at Ballyclare, Athlone Road, Church St. and Main Street they have prepared several generations of students from this area for the journey of life. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny have made a significant difference at the heart of this community for over one hundred and twenty years.

Sisters of St.Joseph of Cluny Website: www.sjc.ie