Christmas greetings from Visitation Monastery of Paray-le- Monial, the Monastery of Profession of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and site of the Revelations of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
To all, they wish, in the Lord, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2012, hoping for rich graces for all.
The community sends us a little poem, simple but but full of spiritual truths, hummed by one of their Senior Sisters:
“Little Jesus, leave the fresh straw
and make of our hearts a new creche. “
Petit Jésus, quittez la paille fraîche et faites de nos cœurs, une nouvelle crèche.
This year two Mexican sisters : Sister Isabel de Morelia (Mexico) and sister Sylvia de Jesus La Enea (Dominican Republic) have strengthened their ranks and came to support them for a few years
Currently a pre-postulant is valiantly guarding the torch and Temporary professed Sister Mary Magdalene has just made her solemn profession on 8 December. She said that the next morning, she had lost time looking for her white veil … she had forgotten that she “had permanently dyed it black!”
Paray-le-Monial is a tourist and pilgrimage stop and each year welcomes people from all backgrounds, and some cardinals and bishops make time for a spiritual break.
This year, they enjoyed the visit and an interview with Cardinal Burke, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the Bishop of Ottawa, Archbishop Prendergast, Bishop of Le Saux, Bishop of Le Mans, and a former chaplain.
They tried to take stock of the approximate number of pilgrims who celebrated in their chapel during the Year of the Priest: about 1800 priests, 47 bishops, three cardinals, the papal nuncio and 428 to 445 groups of pilgrims. That announces the news of the Heart of Jesus!
This year, three young priests have desired to celebrate their first Mass in their chapel. It’s always a grace for them.
Some well-known artists also like to come to the city of Jesus’ Heart: Natacha Triadou violin virtuoso offered the Heart of Jesus a little concert free to all; and Beatrice Berne, clarinetist, that accompanied the Eucharist on 12 August.
After the celebration of the Eucharist, a young married couple wanted to devote themselves to the Heart of Jesus in the chapel, in the Sisters’ presence. The bride is a descendant of John Chrysostom, the brother of St. Margaret Mary; they wanted special protection of their beloved “aunt”. Among the guests were also descendants of St. Jeanne de Chantal!
Father Chavez came to talk about the symbolism of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe – and Mr. Rousselle, They have come to share their passion for it. Europe is too ignorant of the wonders that the Lord has done and continues to do through the “Virgen del Tepeyac ”
Their bishop, too, favored them with his presence for the feast of the Visitation, and then spoke to the Community of his grandfather Edmond Michelet, a great Christian and a great politician. His cause for beatification is in progress.
Note finally in October the 1st International Congress of the Sacred Heart was held, remarkably organized by Americans, with speakers from different countries. It took place in an atmosphere that was both fervent and very enthusiastic.
The Guard of Honor is increasing in scope: nearly 3000 entries, and they prepare to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its founding in 2013 with a rally and a pilgrimage to Bourg-en-Bresse where Sister Marie of the Sacred Heart Bernaud lived.
Mother took advantage of the passage of the emissary of the Pope, Monsignor Marco Agostini and told him about the Guard of Honor and gave them a registration form for himself and one for the Pope of course! A few weeks later they received a letter from the Vatican saying that the Holy Father responded positively to their request (does that mean he has registered at least in his heart?) And he gave all members of the association his apostolic blessing. For all directors and zealots, all friends of the Heart of Jesus, it is indeed a true “push” for the extension and the recognition of the work.
The Visitation Sisters recommend that you visit this delightful community if you are in France!