VISITATION MONASTERY IN PARIS
This year was marked by the Jubilee of the Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris . Some of us , passing the cathedral were able to admire the new bells and we all have heard them at the official opening on Palm Sunday through KTO-tv . The documentary that accompanied it allowed us to discover hidden and inaccessible corners. A book was published for the occasion.
“The doors of faith ,” a booklet published by the diocese for use by parishes and ecclesial movements , have allowed us to live the year of the faith with the Gospel, the documents of Vatican II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Lectures on the Creed completed the deepening of our faith.
The Polish community in Paris met with us during a meeting chaired by Bishop Jez with Mass in honor of Blessed John Paul II. A celebration was held and a statue which still awaits its place in Paris . Negotiations are still underway for its establishment in the square Jean XXIII behind Notre Dame de Paris . Hopefully all this will happen this year at the canonization of these two great popes. Lord , Thy will be done!
A session for novices at Saint -Flour allowed Sister Margaret Mary and Sister Jeanne Marie Julienne to find those with whom they had shared the discovery of St. Margaret Mary the previous year at Paray le Monial . It is always a great joy to meet.
For federations of France , and through the work of our sisters from Freiburg a website site is born :
We invite you to go there . Do not look for perfection, because it is still under construction , but you will discover the spirit of the Visitation , history and some monasteries with either a page dedicated to them or a link to a site.
Two sisters joined the heavenly homeland , Sister Mary and Sister Sophie Marie Françoise . Yet they are always with us in some way , for their kind words and their thoughts May the Lord reward their dedication to their community during the time of their religious life and total dedication to His service.
Sister Marie Elisabeth was appointed zealot of the Guard of Honour replacing Sister Marie Françoise who undertook this task for very many years.
Sister Marie Elisabeth could represent us in ceremonies of the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Guard of Honour at Paray le Monial .
New faces have expanded our community : the arrival of Sister Pascaline Mary and Sister Jeanne Marie Cross has warmed our hearts. They both come from our monastery in Burundi . Shortly after setting foot on French soil, they had to face the snow, great discovery for them. Then in September , we welcomed Sister Mary Immaculate , from our monastery Gitega ( Burundi ) , for medical care in France . We entrust all to your prayers . With their sisters already present, they radiate joy and lead us in song in cultural sharing . The Burundian community of Paris came to celebrate Mass with us in April , for the joy of all . The drum sounded and hand clapping accompanied the songs.
We must not forget the presence among us for a few months of Sister Marie Aimée de Caen , from Loudima Congo, for a time of rest, the passage for a few days of arriving Engracia Sister Marie de Troyes before returning to Colombia.
In recent months, the closure of our Monastery of the Visitation of the rue de Vaugirard holds our attention. It is with great pleasure that we open our arms and hearts to Mother Teresa Angelique to share our daily life.
An important community event in August was the taking of the habit of Sister Marie Claude . A Mass of thanksgiving gathered her family and friends in two stages , first to those who had not left the city in the summer months, August 2 , and for vacationers, in the fall of September.
We wish you all a Happy and Holy Year 2014. We keep in our prayers all your intentions and ask that you remember us in yours.
Your sisters Visitation of Holy Mary of Paris Denfert Rochereau
God be praised !
