Along with six women from different ages and backgrounds, Fr Médaille founded the first community in Le Puy in 1650, to minister to the many needs of poor families and orphans in their area. Disbanded during the French Revolution, the congregation was restored in 1807. New foundations, in France, and later in other countries, especially the USA and Canada, became separate diocesan congregations, though always inspired by Fr Médaille's vision. The Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy were founded in 1833, and have around 500 sisters in the UK, Ireland, France, Switzerland, India, Congo, Gambia and Senegal.
The Medaille Trust, founded in 2006 to work with victims of trafficking and slavery, was named in his honour.
From the sisters' Facebook page:
This evening we gather in prayer and reflection on the 350th anniversary of Jean-Pierre Médaille’s death. His name, his memory and his witness still live on in the hearts of some 8,000 Sisters of St. Joseph. In this graced moment as we come together to sit in the presence of our beloved founder and spiritual father, Jean-Pierre Médaille, may we experience that we are truly in the presence of an authentic mystic and prophet. Let us be united in prayer and communion around the world in the fifty-three different countries where we, his spiritual daughters, live and minister today. Let us continue to Love Love and let Love love through us to the glory of God.
This is an extract from the prayer prepared for this special occasion today.
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