Find the testimony of a participant and the two teachings given by Father Etienne Kern, rector of the sanctuary of Paray le Monial.
Testimony
As part of the Triduum of the Visitation in Annecy, this Saturday, May 31, we enter into the contemplation of the pierced heart of Jesus, following in the footsteps of witnesses such as Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jeanne de Chantal; but also of Saint Marguerite Marie, a nun of the Order of the Visitation, a mystic attached to the cult of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who died on October 17, 1690 in Paray le Monial (71). Her life by itself gives all the evangelical flavor to the conference presented by Father Etienne Kern, rector of the sanctuary of Paray le Monial; he focuses his teaching on “the mission at the school of the Heart of Jesus”.
We do:
*the experience of the presence of Jesus in each one of us
*the experience of the thirst to know Jesus
*the experience of the fire of the mission.
“The fire of love is more important than light,” said Sister Marguerite Marie. Rediscovering the fire of Jesus, in adoration and the Eucharist, transforms us. Humility and compassion bring us into the heart of Jesus. To commune with compassion is to console because Jesus suffers with us.
Wounded, we are… As St. Francis de Sales says, we must rediscover the “apostolate of goodness.” Showing our powerlessness to Jesus and our poverty of heart is not an obstacle to prayer. Being “brother and sister” opens up a fraternal relationship given by Jesus. Sister Marguerite Marie liked to say: “Brother and sister: 3 hearts that are one”. Entering into this fraternal relationship, without foresight, in the daily life of our existence, becomes an experience of the Church and a joy for the mission.
In this Jubilee year, on this day of the feast of the Visitation and the opening day of the novena of Pentecost, it is an opportunity for all the participants to seek in our illusions this “true God” liberator. Burned in the fire of his love, in the fire of the mission in the world and in the places where we live, with the Virgin Mary who is the first to be contemplated and filled with the presence of Jesus, Father Etienne Kern transmits to us a last message: “Do not remain in your comfort but keep the fire of fidelity”.
Hélène Germain, parish of Our Lady of Aumône.
Testimony published on the parish website
Conferences
Saturday, May 31: The Mission at the School of the Heart of Jesus
Sunday, June 1st: His open heart awaits us
Source and podcasts here: A look back at the Triduum of the Visitation — Diocese of Annecy
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