2005 marks the 100th Anniversary of the arrival of the Congregation of the Infant Jesus in America. On October 21, 1905 three sisters, (Picture) Sister Marie Antoinette, Sister Marie Emma, and Sister Marie Stanislaus arrived in Brooklyn, New York. They came from France the same way most immigrants arrived, by boat and with all of their possessions in one suitcase each. Out of that meager and certainly anxious beginning grew a new religious congregation, a branch from roots that began in 1835 in Neufchatel, France.

In thanksgiving for the many blessings God has bestowed upon us through these 100 years and in thanksgiving to the many people who have supported the Congregation and its ministries we have celebrated and continue to celebrate this event throughout this 100th anniversary year.

On October 17, 2004 we commenced our 100 Year Anniversary celebration in Brooklyn with an opening Liturgy at St. James Cathedral-Basilica. (picture) The main celebrant of the Mass was Msgr. John Tosi, rector of the Cathedral. We chose this parish to begin our celebration for it was here that our first Sisters worshipped.

Our celebratory dinner took place on April 23, 2005 and was held at the Cathedral Seminary Residence of the Immaculate Conception. ( pictures) We were thrilled to share our joy and thanksgiving with over 500 people who have been so intimately connected with the life of this Congregation.

Chronicles is an English translation of the history of the origins of the Congregation of the Infant Jesus, which celebrates its centenary this year. It is the result of a joyful reunion in 1999 with its long lost founding community in Le Mans, France, when the original volume Chroniques was passed on to us.

It chronicles the first stirrings of the vocations of 5 young women in Neufchatel , France , who together with their pastor founded the Sisters of the Infant Jesus in Neufchatel , France . The book gives some insight into medieval French history, the Revolution with its resultant religious upheaval, and the eventual move towards secularization with its dire effects upon the Catholic Church and religious congregations in the late 19 th century. It is the story of a tiny congregation that struggled to meet the unmet needs of the times, first establishing a school and caring for the sick within the parish and then meeting greater needs in ever widening circles.

It is told with charming anecdotes, gentle piety and wit. Taxation and the laws of secularization eventually cause this community to suffer greatly. One result of this was the emigration of 3 Sisters of the Infant Jesus, Sr. Marie Antoinette, Sr. Marie Emma and Sr. Marie Stanislaus to Brooklyn, New York on October 21, 1905 to begin the struggle all over again and to grow and meet the unmet needs of the times as the Congregation of the Infant Jesus, also known as the Nursing Sisters of the Sick Poor.

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