Above: Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon

Sisters of St. Joseph: A Courageous Presence in Lebanon

News from our Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon¹

Did you know that Sisters of St. Joseph are present throughout the East and Middle East—including Egypt, Lebanon, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka? Our sisters of the Lyon congregation live alongside family members who live and work in regions deeply affected by ongoing violence.

Near Beirut, our sisters remain relatively safe in their village, yet daily life is marked by the disruption of the ceasefire and by new waves of people displaced from the border regions. Half of the community are elders with medical needs. Because access to medical care has been interrupted, they are now being cared for at home, day and night, by their sisters.

As they have always done, the sisters continue to live their mission wholeheartedly reaching out beyond their own needs to accompany neighbors, welcome the displaced, and assist all without distinction.

Recently, we received heartbreaking news: the parish priest of the small village of Kalaya and a close friend of our sisters, was killed by Israeli tank fire. After the October 6 Hamas attacks on Israel, many fled the village, but he remained to serve those who could not leave. His courageous presence reflected deep fidelity to the most vulnerable. His death has devastated the village and shattered its sense of safety.

Our sisters have been in Kalaya for more than 60 years. All of the sisters are either from Kalaya or served for many years in the parish or school. Their families, lay collaborators, and dear friends are part of this suffering community.

And still, the mission continues. A second-year novice carries on her formation. The sisters gather children at their school even when schools are officially closed. They welcome the displaced and continue accompanying university students. In the midst of fear and loss, they choose presence, relationship, and faithful love.

We hold in prayer all who live where violence and conflict cause displacement and vulnerability, and we thank you for your continued prayers and actions for peace and justice.

¹ Sister Judy Donovan, CSJ President, Lyon and Toni Fredette, CSJ Agrégée, Winslow, Maine contributed to this article