Sisters of St Joseph celebrate 150-years of service

St Augustine Mayor Nancy Shaver informed Historic City News that she had been invited and attended a mass this week appreciating the upcoming 150-year celebration of service by the Sisters of St Joseph, led by Bishop Felipe J. Estévez.

The Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, and countless Floridians who have benefited from their generosity, will celebrate their 150 years of service in 2016.

“In 1866 the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine came to the shores of Florida with the singular mission of educating and catechizing 10,000 African American children freed from slavery,” said Estevez, who is Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine in Florida.  “Since that time their service has expanded to 66 unique missions throughout the state.”

Many events are planned to honor these good sisters; the capstone of which is a documentary produced by WJCT Public Broadcasting that will share the stories of these consecrated women and the good work they have done.  During the mass, the Bishop asked for prayers for the continued success of the efforts of the Sisters.

Part of the compelling list of accomplishments in which the Sisters have founded or served, includes:

• 52 elementary schools
• 6 high schools
• 1 college
• 4 hospitals
• 3 homes for children
• 2 nursing homes
• 2 homes for developmentally disabled adults
• and a home for unwed mothers

Watch the first of the videos, shown during the reception.

The Sisters are seeking $150,000 in crowd funding to finance their plans.  Honor 150 Years of Serving in the Mission Fields of Florida.