Each March, 亚色影库 ushers in the start of spring with the annual Feast of Saint Joseph 鈥 a celebration of the work of the University鈥檚 founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJs), and their patron, Saint Joseph. Though the true heart of the season was still weeks away, students, faculty, staff, CSJs, alumni, and community partners embodied the warmth and hope of spring as they gathered on March 20 to foster the love of the dear neighbor.
The annual tradition, centered on service and social justice and hosted in collaboration with the Center for Spirituality and Social Justice, featured an array of service projects and activities in which attendees were invited to participate. One group of community members sewed dialysis-accessible clothing for the Dialysis Sweatshirt Project, while another group made plastic yarn for sleeping mats for . At other tables, participants wrote letters for the and cards of gratitude for , decorated delivery bags for St. Paul Meals on Wheels (through ), and advocated for key legislative issues with postcards to elected officials.
The event also offered opportunities for the campus to learn more about the history of the CSJs through archival displays, as well as ongoing initiatives, including the St. Kate鈥檚/CSJ Food Access Hub and CSJ community engagement.
The celebrations culminated in a prayer service in Rauenhorst Ballroom reflecting on the life of St. Joseph. Provost Denise Baird, PhD, led the room in prayer.
鈥淎s we go forth from this time, may we be inspired to live thoughtfully, attentively, and compassionately, as did St. Joseph,鈥 Baird said. 鈥淢ay we become builders in this community, sources of hope and courage and stability. May we go forth tonight in a spirit of joy as we continue to live the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph 鈥 to love God and our dear neighbor without distinction, now and every day.鈥
Photos by Patrick Clancy