2016-07-01
FRANCE
Commissioning and Pledge at Fourvière on June 28 and 29
On 29 June evening we gathered for Mass in the main Chapel in front of the tomb of St Marcellin, along with Br Emili and the community of l’Hermitage. It was a special moment for us as we gave thanks for the presence of the Spirit and Mary in our lives over these past two months.
During the previous 48 hours he had spoken with each member of the 2016 Lavalla200> group about his or her future appointment. So, our thoughts were not just looking backwards. The step we were taking and our future were very much in our hearts.
At the end of the Mass Br Emili addressed us briefly in words of encouragement and thanks for our availability and then commissioned each of us with a small wooden missionary Marist cross. For each of us it was very moving.
In the coming days he will be in touch with the relevant Provincials to get their confirmation before these appointments are finalised and made public. We will begin the new communities in September this year.
In imitation of the group of Marists who made their way to Fourvière 200 years ago, on the day after their ordination, today we made the journey to the same Chapel.
There we read aloud our commitment and signed the document in front of the statue of Our Lady, conscious of the early Marists and numerous other groups and individuals who had begun their missionary and apostolic lives on the same spot. Our prayers were heartfelt and hopeful.
This new beginning for Marists has begun. Our thanks to all who have supported us and made this possible.