The 4 days I spent in Briouze, at the rue des Joncherets Community –see previous article: “Festive celebration in Briouze”– enabled me to witness the daily life and share in prayer with the 3 sisters currently at the Notre-Dame residence: Irène, Angèle and Bernadette; they meet every evening to sing Vespers led by the Community, in which a few lay residents also take part. It’s a powerful moment, where a peaceful atmosphere reigns and fraternal support brings peace and joy.
Every week, Mass is attended by around forty residents (out of a total of 60) in a dining room transformed into a chapel, thanks to the active and efficient participation of our caring staff, who ensure that all those who wish to attend can do so.
These times of communal prayer remind me of these passages from the Rule of Life: “Whatever our situation, whether working, retired, ill, suffering or even failing, we can always live our mission as Daughters of the Holy Spirit” (n° 11) .“The same Spirit who brings us together as a Congregation is also the one who sends us… Following in the footsteps of Jesus, we contribute with others to creating conditions that enable everyone to free themselves and live out more fraternal relationships” (n° 10).
Thank you to all these watchers in the shadows.
Juliette Houdemond, DHS. Published May 3, 2024
