This Sunday, July 5, 2026, four Daughters of Jesus are delighted to celebrate their 25 years of religious life in Kermaria, France.

Four Jubilees Celebrated in Kermaria

There is an unusual buzz of excitement at the Motherhouse today. Four Daughters of Jesus are celebrating their silver jubilee: Hélène Brou and Irène Kouassi from Ivory Coast, Nathalie Guéguen from France, and Germaine Kabemba from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Circumstances have allowed them all to gather in France on this date.

Before celebrating the occasion, the four women marking their jubilees had spent the previous weekend in reflection and prayer. With the help of Anne Thirion and then Father Sébastien, they had looked back on their 25 years of faithfulness to the Lord and their love in the service of their brothers and sisters.

A celebration rooted in faithfulness to the Lord

Sr. Patricia, Superior General, delivers the welcome address and introduces the day’s event: “The silver jubilee of our sisters. Twenty-five years of faithfulness in religious life as Daughters of Jesus. We are gathered in thanksgiving to the Lord. Today, the international character of the congregation is clearly evident. Almost every continent is represented: Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Central America.”

As for Father Sébastien Guiziou, during his homily, he addressed the sisters with these words:

“The readings from today’s liturgy resonate perfectly with a phrase you know well, Sisters: ‘To honor the holy humanity of the Son of God by striving to imitate His virtues, especially His charity.’ This phrase is neither a slogan nor a mere quotation; it is a mission that each of you received on the day of your consecration. I am addressing, of course, those celebrating their jubilees today, but also all the sisters.”

Then comes a rite well known in Africa: the procession of the gifts. Three African sisters come forward, dancing and singing. The jubilarian sisters follow with the offerings: our Rule of Life, the bread and wine, and a basket of fruit. It is a procession experienced with great intensity. The communion hymn is fitting for the occasion: “I have chosen you, I have appointed you, that you may go and live by my life.”

Festive Meal

During the meal, the festivities are in full swing. With great spontaneity, the Sisters and guests share memories and sing in African languages, French, and Vietnamese. The program also features dances—both Vietnamese and Breton. It is truly a celebration!

Our jubilarian Sisters and all of us will long remember this magnificent day. We leave feeling revitalized and confident in the future, despite the clouds on the horizon.

The Spirit is at work within the congregation and in the world.

Sr. Madeleine Meunier, fj,

Rennes, France