ST. JOSEPH OF CLUNY, THE MISSIONARY SISTERS OF
(SJC) 1903-1912
Anne Javouhey was the founder of this Congregation. The first house was established in Burgundy, France in 1798. The Sisters had charge of orphans and instructed poor children. Establishing a large novitiate in the town of Cluny in 1809 led to the present name of the Congregation.
Although education was deemed the first aim of the Sisters, other work included care of the sick and a hospice for impoverished women.
The Congregation expanded beyond France to its colonies, including Noumea. With the onset of anti-clerical sentiment in France, the possibility of a foundation in Australia became desirable as a way of continuing the work of the Sisters.
The first Sisters arrived in Melbourne in 1903 and from there travelled to Ballarat where the Sisters of Mercy provided accommodation and support. Eventually a foundation was made at Gormanstown, Tasmania in the following year only to see the town decline. The Sisters withdrew from there to make another start at Port Fairy, Victoria in 1906. Here the parish and secondary schools were staffed by the Sisters.
Events in France necessitated a withdrawal from Australia of the Sisters in 1912.