158 Years of Catholic Women’s History in Florida

Front entrance of St. Joseph Convent on St. George Street.

Even though the Sisters of St. Joseph have lived and served as apostolic women Religious in Florida continuously since 1866, it amazes me how so many people, including Catholics, have no idea of the role our Congregation has played in the history of Catholicism in the state. As February winds down, which is Black History month, and March begins on Friday, which is Women’s History month, now is a good time to reflect briefly on the history of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine.

Bishop Augustin Verot of Savannah recruited eight Sisters of St. Joseph from Le Puy, France in 1866 to educate the children of the freed slaves after the Civil War. After living with the Sisters of Mercy (from New England) in St. Augustine to learn English, the pioneer French Sisters moved into the Fr. Miguel O’Reilly House on Aviles Street, then, eventually, built and moved into St. Joseph Convent in 1876 on St. George Street, which is still the headquarters and a residence of the Congregation today.

Azalea blooms from gardens on north side of the Motherhouse.

What is a convent? The word convent usually refers to the actual building where Sisters live together, but it can also sometimes more generally refer to a Christian community that is living according to religious vows. As consecrated women Religious, the Sisters of St. Joseph profess vows of chastity, poverty and obedience to God, in imitation of Jesus Christ who was poor, chaste, and obedient. They live in community and strive to live lives of cordial charity in the manner of St. Joseph.

Over the years the Sisters of St. Joseph have responded to the signs of the times and the diverse needs of the Dear Neighbor. Our mission is one of unity and reconciliation within an Ignatian-Salesian spirituality and charism. In the 1980s we established non-professed lay SSJ Associates who share in our spirituality and mission. From our beginning we have always been open to collaborating with other organizations or groups who share our values.

Pansy in bloom in front walkway flower beds of Motherhouse.

Some of the Congregation’s current sponsored ministries are the St. Joseph Neighborhood Center at St. Benedict the Moor School (still under construction), St. Joseph Ministries Architectural Stained Glass, St. Joseph Renewal Center, and the Father Miguel O’Reilly House Museum (planning to re-open soon).

For more information on the Sisters of St. Joseph, visit our website at www.ssjfl.org.