THE FRENCH ASSOCIATES came together in Evron on 19th June 2005

- Date of publication 07-24-2005
One year after the festivities in honour of Perrine Thulard, the
Group reflected on how it could appropriate, integrate and express her message in everyday life.

     This meeting, to which we had been looking forward, took place in a particularly warm and friendly atmosphere. We were happy to welcome a new couple. The day began with Sunday Eucharist at the Basilica in Evron. After sharing news and reading messages, it was time for the picnic.

     During the afternoon the theme of our reflection followed on from what we had experienced last year during the A.G.A.P.E. celebrations: What is Perrine saying to us today?
We first of all learnt a refrain that was to colour the day: whatever you do to the least of my brethren you do it to me...as Perrine realised this word from the Gospel of St. Mathew Ch. 25 in her every day life.

     Four groups for sharing and reflection were formed to look at the following questions:
- How do I explain Perrine‚s message to my friends and colleagues?
- How is Perrine real today?
- What is Perrine asking me to do today?

Perrine's message: The sharing showed that each associate was making Perrine‚s message more fully their own. Some remarks that were made:
- we say more about Perrine message by our attitude, our way of living than by our words. Little by little we have become witnesses to her spirit with which we are filled. At first this spirit seemed a bit vague. It became clearer during our various meetings and in all that we experienced last year in Evron 'in the footsteps of Perrine'.
- It isn't always easy to share with friends or colleagues what we experience in the wake of Perrine. Perhaps we lack audacity.and yet Perrine appears to us as a woman of convictions, audacity and courage. Her understanding of service is extraordinary.

Perrine's spirit is very real today. Today as yesterday she invites us to be open to others, especially the most destitute, those who are small and weak. She shows us what it means to live a life centred on Jesus Christ, a life given to others as Jesus did. This is always real for we are surrounded by misery today: physical misery (sickness), materiel (poverty, precariousness), moral misery (no points of reference, desperation, suicides.)

Today, Perrine invites us to welcome what God gives us. She invites us to look at our lives through her message. Her example stimulates each one of us to live our own vocation in the Church. Perrine inspired generations of sisters throughout the ages. Today they are not so numerous; but Perrine‚s charism, a gift to the Church, is shared with the laity and continues to influence people. Together, lay people and religious help each other to live their baptism. It is a type of partnership which builds up the Church. We are given a share in what the Holy Spirit inspired in Perrine so that we can live fully our complementary vocations.

     The day ended with a time of prayer following on from our reflection: whatever you do to the least of my brethren you do it to me... The next meeting will be on the 15th October 2005 in Evron and the subject will be the Holy Spirit and His action in us. This was a subject dear to the spiritual masters in Perrine's day and was highlighted during the Second Vatican Council.

If you are interested in knowing more about the spiritual heritage of our congregation you can click on  "to know more"  in the right hand column of this page.

Have a great summer!

Articles classified by country1- All the congregation2- in France3- in England4- in Canada5- in Africa6- in Peru

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