Join in a pilgrimage with the Sisters of the Mother Saint Angela community, Kermaria, as they follow the five stages of the ‘Sainte Anne 1625–2025 Jubilee Way’ at the Basilica of Sainte Anne d’Auray in Brittany.
Part of our community project
When developing our community project for 2025, we decided to make a pilgrimage to Sainte Anne d’Auray in this jubilee year. The date of the 4th of June was chosen and some of the Sisters voluntarily signed up despite some apprehension given their ages and disabilities. We had previously reflected together on the meaning of the word ‘jubilee’ and the meaning of a plenary indulgence.
En route for Ste Anne d’Auray
Those in charge had prepared well for the trip! Two well-equipped minibuses were at our disposal for the journey, with Brigitte and Isabelle as drivers. We left the motherhouse, Kermaria, around 1 p.m. and set off across the green countryside under the protection of Saint Anne.
A way in five stages
When we arrived in Sainte Anne, our guide Emmanuel was waiting for us at the Nicolazic house, the starting point of the ‘Jubilee Way’. He explained the five stages we were about to experience. The first stage begins inside the house where Yvon Nicolazic lived.
There we lit the torch that would be carried by Caroline and serve as a light to guide our steps along the way.
We then walked together towards the Jubilee Gate, reciting the rosary and singing refrains to Saint Anne. We passed under the gate,
“If anyone enters through me,
they will be saved.“
We headed towards the fountain, the third stage, where Emmanuel, our guide, invited us to receive water from the fountain on our hands and faces.
For the fourth stage, we went to the basilica which marks the place where the statue of Saint Anne was discovered. Here we acclaimed three times with the torch,
“Glory to Christ, Word, Wisdom and Light of the living God! “
Gathered in front of the statue of Saint Anne, we took the time for personal prayer, pilgrims among pilgrims!
A Jubilee prayer
The last stop on the way was in front of Nicolazic’s tomb, where we said the Jubilee prayer together.
“Lord Jesus, your grandmother Saint Anne, the mother of Mary,
has gathered us around you, Light of the world and fountain of salvation.
We give you thanks for her message, which enlivened the faith of our ancestors.
Following in their footsteps, make us united and zealous
in building your Church and caring for it,
and help us discover the joy of entering into your family.
You are the Word of God. Strengthen our faith,
help us to grow in your love, and teach us to pass on our hope.”
Tea at the community Ste Anne
The day ended on a high note with a warm welcome from the Sisters of the community of St. Anne. Around a well-stocked and beautifully decorated table, we listened to Yolande as she told us about each person’s mission at Sainte Anne d’Auray. This is also where our Sister Marie-Paul, the Sister in charge of our Mother Saint Angèle community, lived for many years, and we thanked her for initiating this project.
Happy with our day, we set off on the return journey to Kermaria !
The Sisters Community Mère Ste Angèle,
Kermaria, France
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