25/01/2019 - France

In our places of origin today

There may be fewer Marist Sisters in France these days, but there is a growing number of visitors to our places of origin. In each place the local people are warm and welcoming and they continue to take great care of our sacred places. One can feel their love of the Marist Sisters, from Jeanne-Marie and Marie to those of today. With Teri O'Brien, our key player in keeping the story alive, they have worked hard to restore and enhance buildings precious to us, to conserve and share our history and to promote the spirit of Mary. Teri is in close contact with all of them and shows appreciation on our behalf.

In Coutouvre, there are the members of the Association Coutouvre Se Souvient, led by Monsieur Maurice Dubuis, Madame Danielle Dubuis and Madame Danielle Michaudon (who lives in the Chavoin home). 

In Jarnosse, there is Monsieur Dominique Cellier who is restoring the building commissioned by Jeanne-Marie in which she lived her last years and where she died, Madame Françoise Fouilland a long-time supporter who is responsible for the church and there is the ex-mayor, Madame Michèle Georges who is a very helpful contact person. The parish priest of the area is also most encouraging.

In Belley, there are countless people who support the Jeanne-Marie Chavoin Centre at Bon Repos. In recent times, a significant development has taken place - in the very room where our first Sisters professed their Vows, Mass is being celebrated on a regular basis by an elderly priest resident of the Nursing Home. Teri has gathered together a group of faith-filled women who consider it a great privilege to pray there and who have made a deep bond with one another. There is no doubt that our two pioneers would be delighted to see them there.

Let us pray often for Teri and her collaborators, as they channel the graces of the past into our day.

Photos: 1. Danille Michaudon, Maurice and Danielle Dubuis  2. Dominique Cellier, Françoise Fouilland, Parish Priest  P. Clément Randrianaivozaka and Michèle Georges  3. Mass in the JMC Centre Oratory

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