Sisters of Saint Joseph of Annecy

Sister Hélène Marie

On 5 July 1929, Lydie, Sr Hèlène Marie, was born in Cordon, the fourth child in a family of farmers. Very soon, tragedy struck the family. Her father died of pneumonia. He was 52 years old, Lydie was three months old, and the other children were 12, seven and three years old. Her mother, helped by her 12-year-old son, continued to work on the farm. The family had to survive. Unfortunately, five years later, her mother also died. The two youngest girls were entrusted to their aunts. For over a month, Lydie remained confined in her grief. Usually so cheerful, always singing, she stopped talking. Sad! Blocked! Finally, after a month, and to Aunt Hélène's great relief, she hummed a little tune.

Lydie and Eva grew up together. The school was 3 km away. In winter, they had to trudge through the snow. 6 km every day. But they had what mattered most: the warmth of a loving home.

At the age of 18, Lydie went to work at the hospital in Sallanches for a year. She has some bad memories of that time, but she is still touched by the affectionate presence of Sister Françoise Anthonie and Mother Pauline. She entered the novitiate in 1948. She was 19 years old. As soon as she took her first vows, she was sent to the St Joseph boarding school in Monthey. It was a big change! She had a hard time settling in. The arrival of Sr Monique Dentand, with whom she had been in the novitiate, helped her find her feet. For 69 years, following the example of Mary and Joseph, whom she loved very much, she devoted herself to humble and simple tasks: cleaning, helping in the kitchen, looking after jobs and employees, shopping at Migros...

Then, suddenly, a major shift occurred in her well-ordered life: an assault in 2002 left her with injuries on her back and legs. From then on, she became increasingly anxious about keeping doors locked and bolts drawn, etc. A little later, an unfortunate fall in town resulted in a fracture of her leg, her vulnerable spot.

But in the midst of all this, there were still moments of escape into the blue sky: returns to her father's house in Cordon, which she never stopped admiring; visits from her nephew Régis, a priest; her sister Eva, a source of devotion; her nephews Alexandre, Océane and all the others; the joy of singing with a clear voice for God and for the community.

After 69 years of humble work, she was welcomed to the Grand Chêne in 2019. She remained deeply attached to her family and participated in all events. The bonds were mutual, as shown by the many photos that hang in her room. The last few months were difficult. The fear of dying gradually gave way to the desire to die. She never accepted her dependence and was a little demanding. But she was well cared for by the staff and the Sisters. Sr Marie Philomène was at her side to receive her last breath.

Glory be to God for this life of humble service!

Sister Anne Félicie

Sister Anne Félicie was the eldest of a family of eight children: seven girls and one boy. She was born in Chilly in a small farm. Material poverty was largely compensated by the affection that bound parents and children together. Is this not true wealth?

At the outbreak of the First World War, her father had to leave for the front, leaving his young wife alone with three children. He was demobilized at the birth of the fourth. Sister Anne Félicie was of fragile health in early childhood. She had to walk 3 km to go to school ; a long way to go, especially in winter. She recalled a day when unexpected snow fell for several hours. Her shoes sank into the thick layer of snow, which penetrated inside them. She took them off and ran home barefoot.

After completing primary school, she attended a home-economics school for one year. To help her parents, she went to work for an aunt in a small hotel. This first separation from her family was very painful for her. She then met Sister Anne Thérèse, who offered her a job at the hospital. She was delighted. She began working in the operating room: disinfecting surgical instruments, doing laundry, cleaning, and more. On Sundays, she took part in ACO meetings (Catholic Worker Action). She observed the sisters, loved to pray, and gradually felt her vocation take shape, especially after meeting the Superior General, Mother Louis Joseph, and receiving a letter from an aunt who wrote: “Jesus is the only true Friend.”

She never regretted her decision to enter the novitiate, at “17 years and 8 months,” as she liked to specify. She loved her period of religious formation. She was then sent to Saint-Julien Hospital, to the medical ward. She was quickly entrusted with nursing-assistant duties. The physician in charge of the unit taught her basic nursing care: blood sampling, taking blood pressure, and more. She clearly had the calling of a nurse. She prepared for and easily passed the entrance exam. Very early on, she was given responsibilities in various departments. She especially loved paediatrics and flourished in this work, entirely devoted to others.

In 2017 she wrote:

“This evening, I feel an immense sense of thanksgiving and gratitude toward God, our Father. I feel like singing: ‘The Lord has done great things for me; holy is His name.’ From a shepherdess of Chilly, He has made a happy woman, consecrated to His service, on mission for His love among her sick and suffering brothers and sisters. Thank you, Lord, for everything.”

She also said:

“Every evening, I invoked my guardian angel. In the morning, as I left for my training placements, I prayed to the Holy Spirit. I placed my trust in the Lord.”

Sister Anne Félicie worked for 34 years at Saint-Julien Hospital, two years in Évian providing home care, and three years at the opening of Le Grand Chêne. In addition to caring for the sick, she assumed many responsibilities within the Congregation: several times community leader, two terms as provincial councillor, and ten years with REPSA, the network of professional sisters in healthcare.

In 2004, the time of professional retirement arrived, but not that of her service to her sisters. She excelled at welcoming visitors at the reception desk, always with a smile, inquiring about their families. She never forgot to send a warm message on each sister’s feast day. After a first stroke, she lost the use of her right hand. With courage, she learned to use her left hand and continued her correspondence. In 2007, definitive withdrawal came, and the cross grew heavier — oh, how heavy! Another stroke followed. She lost the use of speech. Despite all her efforts, she could no longer articulate a single syllable. What a cross for her and for us! Yet she did not withdraw into herself. She continued to go out to meet the sisters, visiting them in their rooms, and taking part in physical exercises.

Sister Anne Félicie left us on January 3rd at the age of 91, after a long journey marked by hardship but also in gratitude for the wonders God accomplished in her life.

Dear sister Anne Félicie, with you, we sing our gratitude and say: Until we meet again! You continue to help and love the family into which you were born and your religious family. You will be there, with your beautiful smile, to welcome us.

Farewell! In God, Pure Love, of whom you were a radiant reflection throughout your life.