« Free to love and serve »

The Congregation of the Religious Hospitallers of Saint Joseph was founded in La Flèche, France, in 1636 by the Venerable Jérôme Le Royer de la Dauversière, a committed Christian, married man and father, and by the Venerable Marie de la Ferre, a native of Roiffé, France, co-foundress and first Hospitaller.

After founding the Confraternity of the Holy Family, of which the first Daughters of Saint Joseph were an integral part, Mr. de la Dauversière wrote the first chapter of the Constitutions of the Daughters of Saint Joseph. Contrary to the Founder’s intentions, the Daughters of Saint Joseph were cloistered from 1663 and became the Religious Hospitallers of Saint Joseph. After almost three centuries of monastic (cloistered) life, the Religious Hospitallers returned to their original inspiration to become a single generalate with its Mother House in Montreal. The decree was promulgated on March 19, 1953, and the first General Council was formed.

Charism of the congregation
The Religious Hospitallers of Saint Joseph are called to live the liberty of the children of God, as women of faith, embodying the tenderness and compassion of Christ in the service of His members, especially the poor, the sick and the most needy, in union of charity.

The spirit of the congregation and its charism have been perpetuated through time and space and are still alive today.

Constitutions no. 3