Goodbyes Villa St. Joseph

It's July 18, 2015 the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Saint-Hyacinthe made their last goodbyes at our Villa St. Joseph. Sr Claudette Robert, General Superior, tells the story of this house.

"One day, the Saint Joseph Sisters of Saint-Hyacinthe, women of God with a simple and joyful heart, ardent workers and unpretentious, had the good idea to purchase this beautiful location along theRichelieu. This is where I was born for a noble mission in1967. In1968, I opened my doors to welcome those who came in. At the time I was called Hermitage. My hermit life was filled with activities. I loved the summers filled with singing, dancing and games. I could hardly contain this abundance of youthful life. The generations mingled into a great summer fraternity. I accomplished my mission: to provide a time that supported a return to the apostolic life rested, recreated and able to take on new challenges. I heard within my walls resound the words of Jesus to his disciples: "Come apart ... and rest a little." (Mk 6, 31)

A chapel was added to promote my spiritual mission so that each and everyone could nurture their soul. Nuns, as part of a retreat or on their own, came to taste the silence of nature, to hear the heartbeat of God.

I do not forget all the people who came for an extended rest period or for convalescence. You could take your time with me, regain energy - physical, mental and spiritual - in a climate of respect and joy. Isn’t nature itself not energizing, soothing and healing. I had even embellished myself with another wing upstairs with many rooms to meet the demand. As such, for 20 years, it was the good life!

Over the years, changes were done. Less and less sisters came to fill my summers. When I turned 22 years (in 1989), I was ready to accommodate different religious communities. The adaptation was not too difficult because the people, they all looked like sisters! It was very gratifying to be a place of unity in diversity. Needs change. Thus I added an elevator (lift) to alleviate burdens.

At 35, I was mature and bold enough to open my walls to secular women. The integration went smoothly. A beautiful afternoon, I was thrilled to welcome some Associates to the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, with their family resemblance. I always kept the same mission. Only the people were diversifyin.

In 2010, at age 43, I even dared to accept men. I know that I would need some changes to be more adequate. The future will take care of it. Over the years, I have been more and more open. When I think of all the wonders performed in the hearts, I have tears in my windows and I am proud of having accomplished my mission to this date.

In this year 2015, everything stopped ... I don’t know what my future holds but as the Sisters of St. Joseph I am trusting. In the space which is called the unknown, there is Someone watching. I'm sure I have a mission to pursue. This is what the Villa St. Joseph told me.

Here are some pictures of the event: