Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia

07/29/2026

"I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have called you and you are mine."

With both deep sadness and grateful joy, we share the rising to new life of our sister, Sister Leonissa O'Brien.

Sister entered eternal life on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

The funeral will take place Monday, August 3, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Saint Joseph Villa. Liturgy will be livestreamed and the link will be posted here once it's available.

Within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Sister Leonissa's ministries included:
- Nativity BVM School, Philadelphia
- Saint Bridget School, Philadelphia
- Archbishop Prendergast High School, Drexel Hill
- Bishop Conwell High School, Levittown
- Cardinal Dougherty High School, Philadelphia
- Saint Michael Business School, Philadelphia
- Bishop McDevitt High School, Wyncote
- Cardinal Dougherty High School, Philadelphia
- Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia
- Saint Joseph Villa, Flourtown
- Assumption Hall, Philadelphia
- Motherhouse Community, Philadelphia

She also served at Saint Mary School in Lebanon, PA, and at Saint Francis de Sales Parish in Washington, DC.

07/23/2026

Enjoy our new edition of SSJ E-NEWS at https://conta.cc/44JD7rC

Email from Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia Latest News from the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia SSJ E-NEWS is available for viewing on the SSJ website.     SSJ E-NEWS 312 — July 23, 20

07/21/2026

Learn about our 2027 Retreats at Saint Joseph by-the-Sea Retreat House in Sea Isle City, NJ at https://ssjphila.org/about-us/spirituality/retreats/saint-joseph-by-the-sea-retreat-house-in-sea-isle-city/saint-joseph-by-the-sea-2027-retreat-brochure/

07/16/2026

Join the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia as a Partner in Mission. You'll love working here! Learn about our openings at ssjphila.org/becoming-an-employee/

07/15/2026

Enjoy out latest edition of SSJ E-NEWS! https://conta.cc/4wPJy8t

Email from Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia Latest News from the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia SSJ E-NEWS is available for viewing on the SSJ website.     SSJ E-NEWS 311 — July 15, 20

07/14/2026

On June 18, a multifaith, multiracial delegation of clergy, lay leaders, and congregants traveled from Philadelphia to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center to stand in solidarity with detained immigrants, protest inhumane conditions, and urge Clearfield County officials to end the county's contract with the GEO Group, the for-profit corporation that operates the facility. Sister Linda Lukiewski, SSJ, of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia participated in the witness.

The vigil, organized by Live Free Philly, reflected the theme "Love Thy Neighbor," drawing on the biblical call to love our neighbors with compassion, dignity, and respect. Organizers emphasized that many of those detained at Moshannon have long been members of communities across the region.

Moshannon is the largest immigrant detention center in the Northeastern United States, holding approximately 1,800 people. Organizers cited reports indicating that nearly 80% of detainees have no current or prior criminal charges and raised concerns about inadequate food and water, insufficient medical care, and reports of sexual assault. They are calling for greater transparency, independent oversight of conditions inside the facility, and an end to the GEO Group contract. The vigil is part of a growing national movement opposing immigrant detention centers on both moral and practical grounds.

Organizers invite supporters to take action by:

1 - Emailing the Clearfield County Commissioners urging them not to renew the GEO Group contract and sharing why this issue matters from a personal or faith perspective. Contacts are: John Sobel [email protected], Dave Glass [email protected], and Tim Winters [email protected]

2 - Contacting Pennsylvania legislators and Governor Shapiro to demand independent inspections of the facility's food, water, medical care, physical conditions, and use of solitary confinement, with findings made public.

3 - Joining and the Moshannon Support Network by donating to the commissary fund or by writing letters or visiting people who have been detained.

07/10/2026

Our latest edition of One With Magazine is available online at https://ssjphila.org/one-with-magazine/. In this edition, you will find rich and inspiring stories that reveal how inclusive love is alive within our Congregation, among our associates and throughout our sponsored ministries. We also celebrate our Sister Jubilarians, whose lives have been a beautiful witness to loving every dear neighbor without distinction.

07/08/2026

"I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have called you and you are mine."

With both deep sadness and grateful joy, we share the rising to new life of our sister, Sister Ann C. Hilla (Michael William) SSJ.

Sister entered eternal life on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

The funeral will take place on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Saint Joseph Villa. Liturgy will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/6049522?fl=so&fe=fs .

07/08/2026

"I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have called you and you are mine."

With both deep sadness and grateful joy, we share the rising to new life of our sister, Sister Alice T. Boyle (Grace Anthony) SSJ.

Sister entered eternal life on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

The funeral will take place on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Saint Joseph Villa. Liturgy will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/6049495?fl=so&fe=fs.

07/06/2026

Sister Dolores Clerico SSJ conducted a workshop for the teachers and staff of St. Joseph Joshi Gakuen Girls' School on our charism and ministry. Sister Dolores' reflection on the workshop and her time with the Tsu community will be featured in the Fall edition of One With Magazine.

On June 24, Sister Dolores Clerico, SSJ of Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia conducted a workshop for the teachers and staff of St. Joseph Joshi Gakuen Girls' School on our charism and ministry. It was a day marked by deep reflection and attentive listening to one another.

Before and after the workshop, Sister Dolores stayed with the Tsu community, sharing wonderful times with our sisters in Japan. Thank you, Sister Dolores!