The amphitheatre of the NALIS library was packed on Monday, October 22, as the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny came together to present ‘An Exhibition’ - celebrating 200 years of service to the world.

The Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny are marking their bicentenary year of “existence and service” with year-long celebrations that began last November.

Joining them at the opening of the exhibition were, the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Thomas Gullikson, Archbishop Edward Gilbert, Hazel Reis, Episcopal Delegate for Education, Dr Bernard Tappin, representative of the Ministry of Education, Adam Aboud, who did the photography for the posters, and students and teachers from the various schools run by the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny.

The opening of the exhibition featured remarks by Archbishop Gilbert, Dr Tappin and Sr Annetta Alexander and cultural performances by students. In her welcome address, Sr Annetta highlighted some of the work of the Cluny Sisters, saying, “Today, Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey’s 3000 sisters are still engaged in evangelisation through education, health, social and pastoral ministries.

Sr Annetta Alexander, Sr Gabriel Mason and Archbishop Gilbert at the opening of the exhibition of the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny at the National Library last Monday.

Anne Marie’s light is not put out in the dark. She lives in all our houses in this province of the West Indies and abroad.”

She went on to “thank God for Anne Marie, her vision, her inspiration.”

The official opening of the exhibition, which featured various segments of the life of Anne Marie Jahouvey, Foundress of the St Joseph of Cluny order, as well as, a chronicle of the Srs of St Joseph of Cluny’s ministry across the world, followed.

The exhibition features eight aspects of the life of Anne Marie Jahouvey and the work of the Cluny sisters: “Cluny Community Tree”, “Life of Anne Marie Jahouvey”, “Local History”, “Education and other works”, “How to become a Sister of St Joseph of Cluny”, “The Future – The Spirit of Anne Marie Jahouvey continues”, “Schools that were run by the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny” and “World Map”.

The Cluny Community tree, illustrated the many countries in which the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny operate.

Most interesting was a poster detailing Cluny missions. It showed the year in which Cluny ministries were set up around the world. Anne Marie Jahouvey was doing ministry in Tahiti since 1844! Peru in 1870 and Niger in 1999. The Cluny sisters have been working hard indeed!

The exhibition showcases the rich history of Anne Marie Jahouvey and the Cluny Sisters up to this time and was organised by a special committee comprising, the Central Board of Management of the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, the St Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain Past Pupils’ Association, teachers and principals of schools run by the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny and of course, Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny themselves.

The exhibition runs until November 3. The celebration of the Mass at the Cathedral on Saturday, November 10 will bring the bicentenary celebrations of the Cluny Sisters to a close.