The store adjoins the Convent of the Visitation of Marclaz. Inaugurated just before confinement, it reopened in June. A meeting place, run by the nuns and volunteers.
“The store is in light wood, very bright. There is the good smell of wood and candles. It feels good there!” testifies Stéphanie Vuagnat, president of the association of Friends of the Monastery of the Visitation. This volunteer who spends more than a day a week in the store, ensures its management.
Every week, from Tuesday to Saturday, a team of twelve volunteers, active and retired, open the store to the public. There are religious articles and products made in some thirty French monasteries. Drinks, wines, food, cosmetics … “One day a lady came to get a Bible and we talked for an hour. A very rich spiritual sharing!” testifies Marie-Christine Mas, one of the permanent staff.
“Making monastic life known and being present to the world in another way”
“Selling is not the store’s only goal!” explains Mother Chantal-Maryse, the Superior of the Visitation of Marclaz. “We want to make monastic life known and be present to the world in a way other than through our prayers and welcoming retreatants. To be open to those who pass by, to listen to those who need it … There is so much need for listening and benevolence today. Many people are in a spiritual search “.
The older nuns in the community are happy to see that “things are moving”. And among the youngest, there are volunteers to be on duty with the volunteers. This is the case with Sister Thérèse-Maria, present on Tuesday. “Meeting people, bringing them in prayer, it nourishes our spiritual life!”.
“It remains to be seen that such a store exists in the Chablais!” concludes Pierre, one of the volunteers. As for the sign “private property, no entry”, located next to the gate … its days are numbered.