SPIRITUAL FAMILIES

During the last few months, two events that particularly captured our attention took place in France. These were: The Congress of Priest Associates at Martillac and, at almost the same time in Lourdes, a meeting of lay people and religious, members of a large diversity of Spiritual Families.

 SPIRITUAL FAMILIES: THE NEW FACE OF THE CHURCH?

During the last few months, two events that particularly captured our attention took place in France.  These were: The Congress of Priest Associates at Martillac and, at almost the same time in Lourdes, a meeting of lay people and religious, members of a large diversity of Spiritual Families.

It so happened that just before this important meeting for the universal Church as well as for the Church in France - Monseigneur Ricard got to know the Priest Associates who were at the end of their session.  Afterwards at Lourdes he alluded to the impact of that visit. He expressed astonishment at the dynamism of the group.Was this just a chance remark or was it in fact an invitation to develop our awareness of the richness and the relevance of our Charism for the Church and the world today?

Last October 19, 20 and 21 Monique RATTIER (Holy Family Lay Associate) and Therese SEGRETAIN (Holy Family Apostolic Sister) participated at a gathering of Religious and Laity in Lourdes which was organised by the Religious Superiors of France. 

We give you some extracts from an article by Therese which appeared in Interconnections 22:

This first meeting of religious and Lay Associates brought together 1500 persons – about 400 religious, men and women and 1100 lay people associated with the religious congregations.

My first impression was amazement at the multifaceted nature of this assembly of religious families.  There was a huge variety of spiritual movements – Ignatian, Dominican, Benedictine, Carmelite, French School, Augustinian and in each group there was also a large diversity.

This diversity was found also in the different workshops.  There were 23 different themes and in each workshop there were between 120 and 160 participants.  Monique and I went to a workshop entitled ‘Relations with the Local Church’ on the Saturday afternoon, while in the morning one of us went to a workshop entitled ‘Youth’ and the other attended  ‘Formation in the spirit of the Founders’.  These workshops were organised around three different inputs.  Small groups of six were formed and there was an exercise to get to know one another.  Then there was a sharing of experiences and an attempt to bring out some common factors.  

Two big plenary assemblies marked two powerful moments:

First of all there was a conference entitled: ‘Behold I stand at the door and knock’ given by Mme Marie-Jo Thiel, a theologian from Strasburg.  She spoke about the changes in post-modern society, of a secularised world grappling with paradox and the consequences of this for ecclesial life.

The second assembly: ‘Theological and Ecclesial Issues’.
This was a round table animated by Michel Kubler, an Assumptionist and journalist for La Croix, together with Monsignor Ricard, President of the French Episcopal Conference, Sr. Marie Helene Martin, member of CSM and superior general of the Ursulines of Jesus, Nicolas Joanne, member of Christian Life Community and director of  ‘Espace Bernadette’ at Nevers.

During this exchange Father Ricard mentioned the Assembly of Priest Associates of the Holy Family of Bordeaux, emphasising the richness of the Charism lived by the different branches.  He expressed astonishment at the dynamism coming from Asia and Africa and his joy at seeing a Bordeaux priest make his commitment in this group of ‘brothers’.  He stressed the close connection that is established between the Hierarchical Church and the Associative Church, since Father Jean Louis Despeaux is a parish priest.

From time to time Monique and I shared our feelings.  I can honestly say that we were proud and happy to belong to the Holy Family of Bordeaux and of all that has been lived up until now.

We have become aware, once again of the prophetic power of our Charism, and of the genius of the Founder.  We are still living to the best of our ability and after so many generations a grace that is blossoming forth today in every part of France.

                                                                                                (To know more …)

Why are we concerned ?

The dream of our Founder in the Nineteenth Century, to found a Family where all states in life could live and work together for the spread of the Gospel, was revolutionary for the time.

"A Family
Drinking from the same well
Watering the same fields
Flourishing in the same spirit
Giving fruits of faith, justice, charity and hope "

Impelled by the Spirit of God, and in spite of many obstacles, P.B.Noailles brought this dream to reality with love, subtlety and perseverance.
At the time of his death the Family comprised : 2200 Apostolic and Contemplative Sisters in 223 communities, 300 consecrated seculars, 17900 lay Associates, 773 Priest Associates.
This project so original and so much ahead of its time, encountered several hazards in its history. Some branches of the tree remained for a time without fruit. But the original vision was never totally lost to sight.
Today, our Family is still there, and very much alive. "Now is the favourable time"...A gathering like the one that has just taken place invites us to go forward in hope.