Soeurs de Saint-Joseph de Cluny Alumni Association
is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering lifelong connections among alumni, supporting their personal and professional growth, and contributing to the continued success of our alma mater and its community.
Our History
Honoring a Legacy of Service, Shaping the Future
For over 150 years, Les Sœurs de Saint-Joseph de Cluny have faithfully served the youth and people of Haiti. Their unwavering dedication has profoundly impacted countless lives, particularly in the realm of education.
The Sisters have nurtured generations of students through their devotion, humility, and wholehearted surrender to God's will, molding them into responsible, compassionate, and intellectually grounded women. These graduates have served their families, communities, countries, and the world with grace and integrity.
Their presence has been a blessing in Haiti. We are part of that legacy: women whose lives were shaped, inspired, and transformed within the walls of Externat Saint François Xavier. We carry their influence within our minds, hearts, and spirits, and we remain profoundly grateful for the foundation they provided.
Now, it is our time to give back.
Through the Sœurs de Saint-Joseph de Cluny Alumni Association, Inc., we have committed ourselves to uplifting current and future generations of students.
In these challenging times for our beloved Haiti, we are deeply responsible for taking action. Education is a powerful tool for transformation, and we are dedicated to doing our part by supporting, empowering, and investing in the leaders of tomorrow.
The Mission of Les Soeurs de Saint-Joseph de Cluny in Haiti- A 150-Year Journey of Faith and Service
In the spirit of unwavering faith and dedication, four pioneering women embarked on a courageous journey. Sister Louise Wright, Sister Marie Thérèse Combe, Sister Thérèse de Jésus Brun, and Sister St. Raymond Lebat, set sail from Paris on May 5, 1864, in response to a sacred calling. They left behind familiarity and comfort to embrace the unknown, a testament to their unwavering courage and resilience.
Although marked by tempestuous seas and unfavorable winds, their voyage to Haiti bore testimony to their resilience and courage. As Sister Louise recounted in her diligently kept journal, the first ten days of the journey were particularly arduous. Yet their spirits remained unshaken. Echoing the words of their foundress, Blessed Anne-Marie Javouhey, they believed: "The dangers of the sea do not frighten us. The hope of doing good, winning some souls to religion, and relieving the poor and sick supports our courage amidst the greatest perils."
A month after their departure, on June 5, 1864, their ship anchored off the coast of Port-au-Prince. Armed with faith as their only weapon, these women planted the seeds of what would grow into a flourishing mission.
Today, 150 years later, the mission remains steadfast and vibrant. Les Soeurs de Saint-Joseph de Cluny have faced the metaphorical headwinds with grace and determination, expanding their efforts across Haiti. Their impact is evident across various sectors: evangelization, pastoral care, primary and secondary education, vocational training, and healthcare.
This remarkable legacy was built not just in Port-au-Prince but across departments of Haiti. Though some foundations have closed due to a lack of personnel, the flame of service continues to burn brightly wherever the Sisters are present, a reassuring sign of the ongoing impact of their work.
The mission's spiritual vitality is enriched through various associations, such as the Eucharistic Youth Movement (MEJ) and Jeunesse Mariale (JM), and the involvement of lay associates and volunteers from organizations like Fidesco. These groups embody the community's intellectual, moral, artistic, and religious dimensions, complementing the Sisters' tireless work.
As we revisit the path walked by these women, marked by trials and blessings, we recognize a powerful truth: when God sends us on a mission, He goes before us. Blessed Anne-Marie Javouhey's legacy inspires a new generation of Sisters—resolute in their commitment to humble service and open to the divine designs yet to unfold. The 1996 Soeurs de Saint-Joseph de Cluny graduates have created Les Soeurs de Saint-Joseph de Cluny Alumni Association, Inc. to continue that sacred path and strengthen community and service bonds.
This association seeks to unite all those who have been touched by the work of Les Soeurs de Saint-Joseph de Cluny: former students, collaborators, partners, professors, and friends under one shared mission: to uphold and carry forward the values instilled by them, to give back to the communities that shaped us, and to ensure that the flame of faith, love, and service continues to burn brightly for generations to come.
This jubilee is more than a celebration; it is a heartfelt moment of gratitude for the good that has been accomplished and a solemn pledge to carry forward the torch of faith and love.
Our Board
We proudly introduce the dedicated individuals on the Board of Directors for Les Sœurs de Saint-Joseph de Cluny Alumni Association, Inc.
Each member brings a deep commitment to our mission, a strong sense of community, and a shared love for our alma mater.
Our Bylaws
These bylaws constitute the code of rules adopted by Soeurs de Saint-Joseph de Cluny Alumni Association, Inc. for the regulation and management of its affairs.