These amazing women were able to support themselves and their ministries by making lace in their kitchen sitting around the light of a candle at the end of their daily visits. They did not live the cloistered existence but divided the city and spent their days between prayer and the service of others. As the community spread, the members adopted the clothes worn by widows in their locality which varied from town to country. Their apostolic tasks were extremely varied and adapted to the needs of the people.
This new form of apostolic religious life was/is called the Sisters of St. Joseph. We claim Fr. Jean Pierre Medaille, S.J., as our founder and spiritual guide. His little design (in opposition to the great design of governing authorities) was to spread the gospel and build bonds of friendship with active, inclusive love. He stated that the Sisters were to draw love from its source, Jesus in the Eucharist. The Eucharist was to be the model for this form of apostolic life; the women were to imitate its hiddenness, its humility and were to be entirely for God and the dear neighbour, as Jesus was.
Spending time at S.A.I.L. observing our roots and the dedication and eagerness of women wanting to spread the gospel by living lives completely emptied of self, to be entirely for God and the dear neighbour, was inspiring and hopeful. Our world needs this kind of faith and dedication.
-Sister Elaine Cole, C.S.J.