The charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy flows from the desire to foster union — with God, with neighbors, and with all creation. Inspired by their founder’s vision of a “two-fold union” — deep communion with God and compassionate solidarity with others — the sisters seek to live out Trinitarian love in a world fragmented by division and need. Their spirituality invites them to see and serve Christ in every person, especially the poor, the marginalized, and the abandoned, making love visible through works of mercy, justice, reconciliation, and care.

The Sisters of St. Joseph trace their roots to 1650 in Le Puy, France, when Father Jean Pierre Médaille, S.J., responded to the call to form women religious who would serve the Church outside of cloistered life, especially among the poor and neglected. During the French Revolution the original congregation was disrupted and many sisters suffered martyrdom. The institute was later revived, and in 1833 the Annecy branch was established, embracing the same Josephite spirit of love, unity, and service. From their French beginnings, the Sisters expanded globally and now serve in Europe, Asia, and Africa, including missions in Senegal, Gambia, Congo, Tanzania, and Kenya, where they engage in education, healthcare, pastoral work, social outreach, justice and peace ministries, and care of the vulnerable.

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