Renewal in France

In spring of last year, the Abbey at St-Rambert-en-Bugey near Lyon, in France, welcomed a group of our Sisters from Vietnam for a renewal course directed by Sr M Bénédicte. This was the Sisters’ first visit to Europe and, for many of them, their first time outside their own country.

They had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Abbey and its surroundings, nestling in the shadow of the Alps and to witness the first signs of spring. These Sisters had all been in ministry for many years and this was a golden opportunity for them to have time to reflect on their lives and their mission. The sessions were in French so there were a few challenges with interpretation but notwithstanding, the Sisters felt they had been tremendously enriched by this experience.

A visit across the Channel had been planned, to visit the tomb of our Foundress, Euphrasie Barbier, in Canterbury, Kent, England  but sadly only two Sisters were able to avail of this because of visa restrictions. However, they were able to go to our community in Rome and had the pleasure of seeing our Holy Father and having his blessing.