Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Apparition
Founder of the Congregation: Saint Emilie de Vialar 1832
Abbreviation of the Congregation’s name: SJA
Country of origin and locations where it is spread: Gaillac, France
Spread in 28 countries around the world.
The Congregation: was founded in the Church on 25.12.1832. Its foundress, Emilie de Vialar, born in Gaillac (France) on 12.9.1797, felt that God called her to establish:
Apostolic work, fully dedicated to serving others.
Universal, open to everyone, fulfilling all calls, ready to meet every need…
Missionary, called to extend to the whole world.
The Mission: The mission of the Congregation is to continue the work of the incarnation of the Son of God in the world. It is open to all forms of mission, in the fields of education, health, and social activities. It is particularly interested in calls from non-Christian countries or countries where basic human rights are ignored or violated. It is open to all people, regardless of religion, race, or social status. But, in the spirit of the Gospel, it gives priority to the poor and the “little ones.”
The Charism: God led Emilie to contemplate His immense and infinite love for all people in the mystery of the incarnation of His Son declared to St. Joseph.
In this contemplation, God inspired her to:
– Establish a work that would bring together all acts of love.
– Name the Congregation: Saint Joseph of the Apparition
– Its message: Bringing God’s salvific love to life in the world.
Spirituality: United with God and influenced by His love, the Sisters perform acts of love with the aim of the glory of God which is constantly increasing, in simplicity, humility, and full confidence in divine care.
They desire to bear witness to the Father’s affection to all people… to be a living sign today of God’s love that is embodied and reaches people through human gestures. Constitution Article 4.
Social services provided by the Congregation:
– Saint Louis Hospital
– University student residence
– Hosting several prayer groups for their meetings
– Scout grounds and AVSI Psychosocial Groups for children
Website of the COngregation: