The dogwood is the floral emblem of British Columbia.  The dogwood also has spiritual significance.  Legend has it that the tree formed the cross for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  Its blossoms form a Maltese cross with nail prints at the edge of each petal.  The centre forms a crown of thorns.

"In our world of constant change," we, the Sisters of Saint Ann of Saint Joseph's Province in British Columbia, "respond to the needs of our time and to the promptings of the Holy Spirit."

"To share the mission of Christ the Educator is for us to help those whom God places on our path attain the fullness of  life." 

- Constitutions and Rules #8

          Being an educator means ...

• gifting a person with self-esteem
• offering encouragement and guidance through spiritual direction 
• providing workshops and retreats
• walking unfamiliar paths with prisoners, the marginalized and refugees 
• opening home and heart in the ministry of hospitality
• enabling the sick to regain health, the infirm to accept illness and the

dying to prepare for eternal life
• giving time and talent to the service of others: especially women and 

youth in need
 

Education means "opening doors" for a person to enter into fullness of life, in imitation of our Foundress.

In being faithful to the mission of our Congregation, we, of Saint Joseph's Province, continue to walk in the footsteps of Venerable Marie Anne Blondin and give priority to:

• fostering the enrichment of our RELATIONSHIPS
• living with a passion for NON-VIOLENCE