A summer of continuity and innovation
On the continuity front, we should note the week-long holiday for single mothers in August. And on the innovation front: a very rich participation from the sanctuary in a couples' retreat in Brive-la-Gaillarde, a week of renewal for grandparents, and a weekend with a team of pastoral animators from the Diocese of Meaux.
Brive La Gaillarde: at the heart of couples
The Priscilla and Aquila movement organized a week-long session attended by 53 couples at the Sanctuary of the Grottoes of Saint Anthony. An evening and a day were dedicated to exploring the spirituality of Saints Louis and Zélie, focusing on the theme: "Louis and Zélie and the Mission" A wonderful opportunity to remind ourselves that the mission begins in our own communities, closest to us. This is a reality to which this spiritual movement is very sensitive, given its commitment to proclamation centered on the kerygma, that is, the proclamation of Christ who died and rose again for our salvation. Dedicating five days, as a couple, to experiencing this reality firsthand is a truly beautiful experience!
A week's holiday for single mothers with their children
As every year, August was marked by a week-long holiday for single mothers and their children. The mornings are dedicated to reflection and spiritual renewal for the mothers, with presentations from individuals who help them analyze difficult situations and, above all, find ways to rebuild their lives (CLER representative, Father Villemain, etc.). The children are cared for by a team that includes Carmelite brothers and sisters, messengers of the Holy Spirit.
In the summary, one or the other mother writes: "I am discovering God's connection, support and love, even in difficulties." "For my daughter, it's a time for opening up and meeting other children"... "I'm very apprehensive about going back to school; this week has helped me feel more at ease."... "I came with higher expectations than to previous retreats. I leave feeling fulfilled."
Rejuvenating time for grandparents
It was a first for the sanctuary to offer a week of respite for grandparents. Widows, widowers, and couples alike said they appreciated the friendly atmosphere and the warmth within the group. The diversity of situations also included close-knit families and families facing hardship. This week combined four objectives:
- Discover how the way of life of Saints Louis and Zélie is useful to us today (this is therefore a time for spiritual exploration)
- Take time to discover emblematic places in the Orne (Carrouges castle, Saint-Céneri, lace museum…) and the lives of Saints Louis and Zélie (visit to the Martin house, walk around town, discover the rich church of Sainte-Marguerite de Carrouges, and in the adjoining cemetery the tombs of Rose Taillé, nurse of Thérèse and her foster brother, Eugène Taillé).
- To gain a better understanding of the role of grandparents in today's society. A fundamental question was at the heart of the meeting: "What does it mean to educate? What paths does participating in education take when you are a grandparent?"
- Take time for meditation and prayer.
A weekend with pastoral leaders from the diocese of Meaux
There were 17 of them, from Pontault Combault, accompanied by their parish priest and vicar, dedicated parish leaders working with middle and high school students. Diversity is a daily reality for them when working with young people. They came to further explore the direction of their mission around the theme: "Unity in diversity." The unity of life in the Martin family, with a diversity when one considers the situation of their daughter Léonie or their professional situation according to the happy events of the society of their time, was an excellent support.
