Sr. Irène Kouassi of Daoukro, Ivory Coast, is celebrating 25 years of religious life this year: she shares with us what is in her heart.

A Sacred Pause

How can I repay the Lord for all the good he has done for me? (Psalm 116).

These words of the psalmist resonate with a special intensity in my heart as I celebrate 25 years of religious life.

A silver jubilee is not merely a look back at the past: it is a sacred pause, a symphony of gratitude for a love story woven, day after day, between human frailty and God’s absolute faithfulness. To mark this anniversary, I am immensely fortunate that the Congregation has agreed to let me join my sisters in France to experience this meaningful moment. It is a truly beautiful gift: a return to my roots in France, a pilgrimage to where it all began.

In Vaylats

It’s the thrilling emotion of that first “I do.”

My journey began with a wish close to my heart: to return to Vaylats, in southwestern France. It was there, in that serene place, that I first walked through the doors of the novitiate. Seeing that house again was like diving back into the enthusiasm and freshness of my first commitments.

I was overwhelmed with emotion as I paid my respects at the graveside of Father Jean Liausu , a spiritual figure who had such a profound impact on me. What an intense joy it was to reunite with the former sisters—those with whom I shared daily life and work—as well as the dedicated staff who supported me so much! This return to my roots did me a world of good; it was a way of saying to the Lord, “You see, 25 years later, the flame is still burning brightly.”

Rennes and a Time of Reflection

The second stage of this pilgrimage was lived in communion. Joined by my three traveling companions—my sisters who are also celebrating their silver jubilee in France—we were invited to experience a spiritual time of rare intensity.

Under the caring guidance of our Provincial Superior of France, we paused to reflect on our 25 years of consecrated life. There we saw the Lord’s unfailing faithfulness, His forgiveness, His support, and the beauty of a covenant that spans the seasons of life. These were moments of silence and deep sharing. We then shared in the joy of spending time with the sisters in Rennes, whose warm and sisterly welcome filled our hearts with joy.

Bignan, the Birthplace of the Charism

Our journey then continued to Bignan, the very first house of the Daughters of Jesus of Kermaria. Walking in the footsteps of the founders is a deeply moving experience. We began with a beautiful Mass in the chapel where Father Coëffic’s heart rests.

We had the privilege of visiting the sacred sites of our shared history, notably the room of Mother Marie de Saint-Charles.

Thanks to the enlightening explanations provided by the sisters of Bignan, the charism of our congregation was revealed to us with renewed vigor. The day concluded with a light meal filled with immense sisterhood—a moment of simple and joyful communion that I greatly appreciated.

Heading to Kermaria

This is the culmination of the celebration and a moment of universal communion.

The highlight of our pilgrimage brought us to Kermaria, our Motherhouse, for the long-awaited celebration. It was there that the grand Mass of Thanksgiving for our 25th anniversary took place. It was a strikingly beautiful Eucharist, accompanied by polyphonic hymns joyfully sung in French, Congolese, Ivorian, and Breton.

The offertory procession was a moment of pure grace: vibrant, rhythmic, and colorful, it unfolded in the traditional African style, lifting hearts in festive and grateful praise. After Communion, emotion once again swept over the congregation when the family of one of our members presented each of the jubilarians with a magnificent bouquet of flowers in thanksgiving—a tender symbol of their affection and support over these twenty-five years.

A Moment of Fellowship

After this unforgettable celebration, the festivities continued outdoors. We all gathered in the courtyard to share the traditional toast with our guests, our sisters, and family members who had come for the occasion.

This warm reunion was followed by a meal in the grand hall at Kermaria. This fraternal banquet, both simple and hearty, took place in a particularly joyful and convivial atmosphere.

To round out these memorable hours, we took the time to tour the various historic sites at Kermaria. Everything unfolded and concluded beautifully, enveloped in an atmosphere of peace, radiant joy, and deep kindness.

A Call from the Heart

And you—where is the Lord waiting for you?

As I share with you the wonders of this jubilee, my deepest wish is to touch your hearts. To you who are reading these lines—whether you are a young person seeking direction or a soul searching for meaning—I want to tell you that the Lord has a unique plan of love for your life. Do not be afraid to answer His call!

If you feel the desire to consecrate your life to God, I invite you with immense joy to come and discover the Congregation of the Daughters of Jesus. It is an extraordinary religious family where you feel deeply at home, fully welcomed, and sincerely loved. Here, “sisterhood” is not just an empty word: it’s a daily reality where we grow together, supported by the prayer and affection of our sisters. Come and see! Let yourself be loved and embrace this beautiful mission in the service of Christ.

My Song of Joy and Offering

To mark these 25 years of fidelity and to look toward the future with confidence, my heart continues to sing this refrain of total surrender to the Lord:

“Father, here I am—without delay, without reservation, without turning back.

Father, here I am to serve the purposes of your love.”

Song composed by a Daughter of Jesus from Vaylats.

To You, Lord, be the glory for the past 25 years, and to You my renewed “Yes” for all those to come.

Sister Irene Kouassi, fj

Daoukro, Ivory Coast