Charism

Formation

Vocation

Principal characteristics of the spirituality of the Sisters of St Joseph
of the Apparition.

Emilie de Vialar's Charism

Emilie's charism incorporated two important faith elements -

the revelation of the Incarnation made to Joseph
her vision of the Crucified Christ

"The Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said to him: 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.' When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do." (1:18-23)

This gospel passage which shows the essential role of Joseph in the Incarnation is the source of the founding intuition of Emilie de Vialar.
It shows clearly that without Joseph's acceptance of his role as the earthly father of Jesus, the Incarnation would be incomplete.

Contemplating the Mystery of the Incarnation, Emilie felt herself called to participate in the work of God's salvation, especially for those who were at greatest risk, and she followed this call with the audacity of a heart filled with passion for the glory of God and the establishment of his Kingdom.

Emilie's founding intuition came from the Gospel of Matthew in which Joseph's part in the Incarnation is highlighted. It was from this event that the name of the Congregation was established.

Emilie, profoundly stirred by her vision of Christ's Five Wounds, saw the misery of her times; she saw the poor of every kind and felt a strong urge to go to them.

Emilie wanted her sisters to catch some glimpse of the heart of God who loves us with infinite love and who opens our eyes and hearts to the sufferings of humanity by their contemplation of the five wounds
of Jesus crucified.

The Developing Charism of the Congregation

According to the Directory and Customary printed in 1938 which had gathered thoughts about the charism of the Congregation until that time, the Sisters of St Joseph are asked to "imitate the humble hidden virtues, especially those of simplicity and obedience which characterised their Father and Protector." (Page 1)

This implies Joseph's obedient acceptance of his essential role in the Incarnation. As Joseph was asked to be the human face of God so too must the sisters show "the infinite tenderness of the Father" to those whose lives they share. (Constitutions No 4 - amended 1990)

The sisters have always endeavoured to rise to the challenge of these words by their compassionate devotedness. They are committed to live the gospel today in the manner of St Emilie.

As Biblical studies increasingly show the essential role of Joseph in the Incarnation, the Sisters are becoming more aware of the absolute incarnational spirituality that has been bequeathed to them by their saintly foundress.