“Enjoying the Heartfelt Hospitality of the Sisters”
Thirty SM Fathers, Brothers, and lay Marists from around the world undertook a five day pilgrimage to the Marist Places of Origin, walking in the footsteps of Father Jean-Claude Colin to mark the 150th anniversary of his death.
Accompanied by a Marist team including local guides Fr Jean-Marie Bloqueau and Sr Teri O’Brien, the group visited a significant site in our Marist story each day, with some of our Sisters joining for various days and celebrations
During the visit to Belley, the pilgrims explored La Capucinière and the Petit Séminaire de Belley (now Lamartine College) before being warmly welcomed and offered hospitality by our Sisters at Maison de Bon-Repos.
Brother Mario Béland, sm (Canada) writes:
“We felt like we were in a maze as we made our way to a lounge to have our picnic lunch. This lounge was where Fr. Colin would visit the Sisters to ask for their prayers. Though the place was a bit crowded, the Sisters offered us a wonderful welcome and some wine. After the meal, we took a brief tour of the premises: Fr. Colin’s well, the inner courtyard, the outer courtyard, their cemetery, followed by a quick visit to the museum dedicated to their founder, Jeanne-Marie Chavoin.
Finally we enjoyed Sister Teri’s presentation on Bugey in Colin’s time and Bugey today. She shared a beautiful PowerPoint presentation showing us the similarities between the two eras.
During the Eucharist, we prayed particularly for those who strive to keep these places alive.
Before leaving, the Sisters offered us refreshments: another glass of Cerdon wine with a brioche. We are always well received by the good Marist Sisters – thank you for your kind welcome!”
Pilgrimages such as this continue to deepen connection to the origins of the Marist story, renewing our spirit and strengthening our shared mission. May many more pilgrims be inspired to walk these paths in the years ahead and come to know our Marist story more deeply.
