Ventura (Orange Free State)

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Ladybrand is located in the Orange Free State and is 104 kilometres from Maseru, 48 kilometres from Roma, Lesotho, and 130 kilometres from Bloemfontein, Orange Free State.

FOUNDING
Father David Rondeau, O.M.I., who had been in charge of the Ventura Farm mission since 1970, asked for the collaboration of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Saint Hyacinthe. With the consent of Mother Lucrèce St.-Pierre, superior general, and her council, Sister Marie-Anna Laliberté accepted this invitation.

FOUNDERS:
Sister Antoinette Brouillard
Sister Marie Dufresne

AREAS OF COMMITMENTS
The sisters who worked at Ventura Farm were responsible for making visitors welcome whether they were Oblates Father or Brothers or sisters from various communities who came for a vacation, a rest, or a retreat. The Sisters of Saint Joseph saw to the housekeeping, the laundry and sewing, the cooking for the residents and the visitors. They oversaw the employees who helped them with these tasks. This residence was open to a great number of visitors who came for overnight stays or longer. These people were made to feel welcome and as comfortable as possible with the limited means available in this milieu.

DEPARTURE
In 1995, the director of the house died and another Oblate Father replaced him. The needs for this hospitality service having decreased over the years, the sisters decided to withdraw. 

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