This Easter question is very appropriate to reflect on my visit to our communities in France. In Somain and Marchiennes, our Sisters foster relationships of sisterhood and a simple way of life. The parish is an expression of Christian life in a lay context, and although few in number, there are young people preparing for baptism, and others who choose to participate in various services. In these Christian communities, our Sisters are involved in fellowship and liturgy; they are a presence and a witness that encourages and inspires.
Living Holy Week in Béziers with the Good Shepherd community had a special flavor. Their presence, reflections, and words reflect love for our charismatic heritage, a shared responsibility, and the hope of continuing to communicate it. In this house, we remember the presence of the Good Shepherd priests, including Fr. Gailhac walking these halls, and, in recent years, our sisters. In this house, there is the witness of the present community and echoes of history. The spaces dedicated to the memory of the founders invite us to enter, to contemplate, to pray… At the House of the Good Shepherd, at the Maison Gailhac, at the IRSCM burial place, in various places and streets of Béziers, …one can still hear the melody of the first call and of a history of self-giving for Love, so that all may have Life!
By Sr. Mª Teresa Nogueira, rshm – Institute Councilor
