Sisters of St. Joseph celebrate 375 years of love and service
By Allison Mosier08/20/2025
In July, hundreds of Sisters of St. Joseph, agrégées, associates, partners in mission and friends came together in Kansas City, Missouri, for the U.S. Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph gathering held every five years. This year’s celebration marked the 375th anniversary of the congregation’s founding in Le Puy, France. From every corner of the country, the extended CSSJ family came together under the theme Celebrate. Embrace. Ignite. to honor the profound legacy of their founding charism, love of God and neighbor without distinction, and to recommit themselves to the work of justice and unity in today’s world.
Among the many who made the journey were twelve representatives from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, including leadership members Sisters Mary Drexler and Carol Morehouse, as well as sisters, agrégées, associates and staff. This year, the Erie congregation is commemorating its own milestone, 165 years of dedicated ministry in the Diocese of Erie, and their presence in Kansas City was both celebratory and symbolic, a witness to generations of tireless service and a living continuation of the spirit first ignited in 1650.
“I was filled with joy as I came away from the experience,” said Sister Mary Drexler, SSJ, president of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania. “I have a deep sense of pride knowing that my personal vocation of 62 years is part of the collective vocation of all Sisters of St. Joseph spanning 375 years. It is easy to see that the fire of our mission is still very much alive.”
Founded in 1860, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania have shaped the region’s spiritual, educational and healthcare landscape. Their legacy includes founding Villa Maria Academy, the area’s first all-girls school; Villa Maria College, later part of Gannon University; Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie; and Spencer Hospital in Meadville. They also staffed more than 25 Catholic schools across northwestern Pennsylvania. Today, their ministries extend beyond education and healthcare to social justice advocacy, neighborhood outreach and spiritual direction.
Stephanie Hall, communications director for the Erie congregation, designed a temporary tattoo featuring a lace pattern and the words “Keep on Tatting” that was given out at the event. The first Sisters in France taught young women the art of making lace, also known as tatting. A tat is a term more commonly known today as a reference to tattoos. The temporary lace tattoo provided an opportunity to share the story of the congregation’s history with a younger, broader audience by using a term they relate to
“Being among so many other sisters, seeing everyone with the temporary lace tattoos, and participating in justice-focused discussions, was an experience I’ll never forget,” said Sister Nancy Fischer, SSJ, director of the Office for Religious for the Diocese of Erie. “It reminded us that our mission is still unfolding.”
The event featured keynote speakers such as theologian Sr. Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ, who challenged attendees to see the charism through an ecological lens, and Dr. Ann McElaney-Johnson, who inspired participants with stories of leadership rooted in compassion and equity. Attendees also engaged in powerful rituals, including a blessing for the hotel housekeeping staff in English and Spanish, a Federation tradition that moved many to tears.
“The weekend was deeply inspiring,” said Almitra Clerkin, executive director of the Mission and Ministries Foundation of the Sisters of St. Joseph Northwestern Pennsylvania. “To be surrounded by women and men who have lived this mission across the nation was a reminder of how far-reaching and powerful this work truly is.” Clerkin also participated in the celebration’s choir, adding her voice, literally and spiritually, to the harmony of the congregation’s mission. “It was a joy and an honor to lend my voice during such a sacred gathering,” she reflected.
As the Sisters of St. Joseph of NWPA continue their 165th celebration this year, their commitment to being “Sisters of the Neighborhood” lives on, in every student taught, patient healed and neighbor served. Their journey continues, grounded in gratitude and ignited by hope.
To view the photos from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, visit their online photo album here.
To view the federation's photos from the weekend, visit the online photo album here.
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