Going on a mission: “Travel the earth”

With the relics of Saint Therese and those of his holy parents, a delegation from the sanctuary went on a mission during the month of October to the regions of Besançon, Roanne, then to the country of Grenoble. A missionary adventure started, as a symbol, on October 1, which brought together some 2500 people with those who wanted to "travel the Earth" and those who were the first canonized couple in the history of the Church.

Mission Congress: a momentum in faith
Rich journey started at Mission Congress in Besançon, and continued in three parishes (Roanne, Pays de Grenoble for the opening of the Year of the Family), two schools, three communities, (Grande Chartreuse, Mother House of Missionary Workers, Little Sisters of the Poor). It made it possible to meet some 2500 people, 500 children (schools, caté groups) to bring back, to Alençon, nearly 700 prayer intentions, to give 1200 prayer images addressed to Saints Louis and Zélie. It is not so much a question of allowing oneself to be challenged by figures, an indicator of impact, as by the fervor experienced, the faith which is strengthened and encouraged by a better knowledge of Saints Louis, Zélie and Thérèse and of the times of fervent prayers. Of the sixty workshops of the Mission Congress, the two animated by the sanctuary of Alençon, on the theme “family and missions”, were widely followed, reflecting a desire to be missionary disciples today. The reliquaries were brought in procession during the two masses at Besançon Cathedral.

“A Church on the way out” to discover and pray
All these meetings contribute to an enthusiasm! The pastors of the parishes visited noticed that there were people they did not usually see. The diversity of ages was present. At one end, candid questions from Primary children to Sisters Catiane and Maria-Catalina: “Why are you religious, why are you dressed like that, why are you from so far away (Brazil, Argentina) etc.” At the other end, the luminous and communicative smile of peace of the Little Sisters of the poor nonagenarians, the impressive bare solemnity of the Carthusians coming to the gatehouse to welcome the reliquaries to lead them to their chapel for the day.

Saints who are so close to us
For my part, I received a lot during the dialogues on the church squares, questions from the participants during the teachings. The happiness of people who discover a couple of saints so similar to us, on a daily basis, in many ways is touching because it gives perspective. The prayer vigils are the highlight of these days by the quality of the preparation, the beautiful atmosphere of prayer and meditation, this heart to heart, which is experienced when people come to pray, alone, in couple, in family and bring their messages, thanksgivings and requests before the shrines. These intentions are so embodied, evoking everything that can "damage" lives. We measure how much the intercession of the saints is a path of comfort and hope. So many burdens laid down, but also so many beautiful beacons laid down to move forward in the joy of the Gospel. In short, beautiful moments in the Church!

Guy Fournier, deacon, assistant to the rector

Return of the mission in pictures…