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Each program at the International Centre distinguishes itself in some way. For the Two Trinities program, it was rain--every day--and numbers.

This year’s Mission Effectiveness group had more men, more French people, and more Canadians than in previous years and a vibrant commitment to carry on the mission and charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Eight sisters from three continents gathered at the International Centre to spend a week together for the program, "The Lace Is Not Yet Finished."

Seventeen sisters and three translators from 11 countries on five continents came to the Centre for a workshop on archival materials.

Every group that comes to the Centre brings with it a different spirit from all the other groups. The alumni group from Mary Louis Academy of New York City (Jamaica Estates in Queens) was a good example.

The extraordinary group of singers from Avila University of Kansas City provided not only gentle harmonies in four, sometimes eight parts, but powerful crescendos that made it feel like Heaven.

"This house is back in the family," declared President Ann McElaney-Johnson at a June 26 blessing ceremony of Mother St. John Fontbonne's birthplace.

Fifteen pilgrims from the St. Augustine Congregation visited the sacred historical sites of the Sisters of St. Joseph and learned more about SSJ spirituality.

Thomas Donlan had come to Le Puy in order to make a five-day pilgrimage on the Camino. He first stopped at the Centre to learn about the connections between the Sisters of St. Joseph and St. Francis de Sales.

Ten smiling faces from the Philadelphia congregation made a week-long pilgrimage to see and experience sacred sites related to the foundations of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Sister Gemma Dalmasso of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cuneo, Italy, brought three young Congolese sisters from her community and two Italian sisters from Pinerolo, Italy, for a pilgrimage to France.

Sandy and Tracey Arpen have become avid supporters of the Sisters of St. Joseph through their historical research and activism in Mandarin, Florida near Jacksonville.

Forty-five members of the St. Joseph Health System of the Congregation of Orange, CA, came to France to learn more about the origins and spirituality of the Sisters of St. Joseph. They began their pilgrimage with a wine and cheese party at the International Centre.

They came with lunch bags and large containers of food for a picnic and a day-long pilgrimage.

The 12-hour trip from Minneapolis/St. Paul did not dampen students' spirits or smiles.