The documentary A Legacy of Faith: The Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine will premiere on local Public Broadcasting Station – WJCT Thursday, March 24, at 8 p.m. The documentary will also air on 13 PBS stations throughout Florida. Check your local PBS schedule for day and time.
This is a truly amazing story of faith and an integral part of the history of the Diocese of St. Augustine and many of our Catholic schools.
In 1866, the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine came to the shores of Florida at the request of Bishop Augustin Verot with the singular mission of educating and catechizing 10,000 African American children freed from slavery.
Since that time their service has expanded to 66 unique missions throughout the state. Their list of accomplishments is most compelling. They have founded and/or served in the following:
- 52 elementary schools
- 6 high schools
- 1 college
- 4 hospitals
- 3 homes for children
- 2 nursing homes
- 2 homes for developmentally disabled adults
- 1 home for unwed mothers.
“In 2016 the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine and countless Floridians who have benefited from their largess will celebrate their 150 years of service. Many events are planned to honor these good sisters; the capstone of which is this documentary. It will share the stories of these consecrated women and the good work they have done,” said Bishop Felipe J. Estévez of the Diocese of St. Augustine.
To read more about the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, visit: www.ssjfl.org.