11 May 2024 was a great day in the history of the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny in Rome, Via Angelo Poliziano 38. We celebrated the 170th anniversary of our presence. We recalled the desire of Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey, our Foundress, to have a community in Rome, the Eternal City. In 1851, as she spoke of this desire, she said to the sisters: ‘I have another journey to make and I must make it alone’, that is, to her eternal home (AMJ by Pil Kieffer Vol II Bk VIII ch VI Pg.300). Her desire was fulfilled in the person of Mother Rosalie Javouhey, her sister, the second Superior General, who bought a house in Via Di Santa Maria Maggiore 134 (Mary Major). On 12 April 1854, four sisters arrived to care for orphaned children affected by cholera. Later, a school was opened for them.
In 1884, we bought the land in Via Leonardo Vinci, now Via Angelo Poliziano, and laid the foundations for the chapel on 11 February 1884. It took four years to complete this beautiful and magnificent building in the centre of Rome. On 12 May 1887, the community took full possession of the new house, in which were founded the Regina Mundi, a school, the vice-provincial house for Italy and Switzerland (at that time), and a house for pilgrims.
On 11 May 2024, the thanksgiving Mass was presided over by His Eminence Marcello Cardinal Semeraro, Prefect of the Causes of Saints, accompanied by 10 priests. In his homily, the cardinal emphasised the importance of thanksgiving in our lives and the missionary spirit of Anne Marie Javouhey, which we must imbibe. After the solomn Eucharistic celebration, celebrated in a beautifully decorated chapel with a magnificent choir, everyone went to the gallery to watch a short video about the life of AMJ and the history of our house. Photos of the house with the sisters and their activities, with appropriate captions, were displayed on the corridor walls outside the chapel. Alumni and staff were delighted to see them. Everyone enjoyed the delicious refreshments served in the gallery. Everyone who came was very happy to be part of the celebrations. We were very pleased to have Sister Agnès Thevenin, Assistant General, present on behalf of Sister Clare Stanley, Superior General, who had travelled from the Mother House in Paris for this special occasion. May God be praised and glorified always and everywhere.
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