From June 29 to July 2, 2026, in Saint Jean Brévelay, France (6 km from Bignan), a tent camp was organized for middle school students (ages 12–15) by the Youth Ministry of the Diocese of Vannes. A day in Kermaria is on the schedule.

The theme of this camp was: “Dare to Reach Out!”

In Kermaria

On the morning of Wednesday, July 1, about fifty young people and nine adult chaperones arrived in Kermaria. The goal for the day was to learn about the congregation, its history, and the Kermaria site, and to meet sisters who share their testimonies.

Workshops

In the afternoon, in small groups, they were offered three one-hour workshops. One session involved a discussion with older sisters and two younger ones—who are in France for a year—Nien, a Vietnamese Daughter of Jesus on mission in Cameroon, and Isemane, originally from Haiti, on mission in Honduras.

The other workshop involved exploring the property and its various significant sites. This walking tour provided an opportunity to reflect on the richness of the sisters’ history and life experiences.  Next, the participants had to locate the fourteen statues of St. Joseph on the grounds before returning to the chapel for a time of sharing. Observations from the young people included: Joseph’s fatherly attitude toward Jesus, his contemplative and silent demeanor when alone, and St. Joseph’s role within the family.

Reflections from Young People

•    “In Kermaria, I loved the sisters’ smiles and the hymn to Saint Joseph they sang at the end of Mass.”

•    “In Kermaria, you get the impression that the sisters live like a family ”

•    “We learned about the Congregation of the Daughters of Jesus through a video recounting its history, which began in Bignan, and then, with our musicians, we provided music for the community’s Mass. We had our picnic in the beautiful setting by the pond.”

Great joy

It was a joy for Kermaria to welcome young people who were able to spend four days discovering new realities: Secours Catholique and the residents of the St. Jean Brévelay nursing home. Four days without cell phones! They experienced life as a team, meaningful spiritual moments, daily Mass, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It was also a joy for us to share with them what inspires us—the meaning of our presence in the world. We will continue to keep them in our prayers.

Based on remarks by Babeth MOAL, a member of the “Pôle Jeunes” Youth Ministry of the Diocese of Vannes and director of the Festi-jeunes camp.

Sr. Anne-Marie le Roch, FJ

Vannes, France