Two of our Associates of the Daughters of Jesus in Lot-et-Garonne, France tell us about the participation of their new Bishop in a double celebration of arrival and departure, which was at once beautiful and provocative.
The religious community of the Daughters of Jesus had invited us all to take part in the day of the 20th of October 2024 in the church of St Antoine at Fumel, one of the ten churches that make up the parish of Saint Géraud des Vallées en Fumélois. Four of us, from the Nérac-Lavardac sector, carshared with Marie-Pierre and Gérard Béguin.
Two reasons to give thanks
The parish priest of Saint Géraud des Vallées en Fumélois welcomed us to the church of St Antoine. Our new bishop, Alexandre de Bucy, was present on this day for two reasons :
The first reason he came was to officially install the new parish priest, Father Franck Taillade, with whom he con-celebrated the Mass in front of the community gathered for the occasion. A bright sunny day rendered the church beautiful and full of light, and a dynamic choir helped to make it a special occasion. We could feel the great joy !
The second reason for our bishop’s and our own presence was to give thanks for the Daughters of Jesus. Despite his very recent arrival at the head of our diocese, the bishop was very good at evoking the impact of the community of our dear Sisters who have been present in Lot-et-Garonne for a century and a half and who have just left the ‘département 47‘ in 2024. They were thanked, flowers were offered, and warm words were exchanged.
A presence in the midst of us
It was an emotional moment for us, linked to what we have experienced with them at our side over all these years, in Francescas, Vianne or Tonneins.
The celebration ended with a well-chosen song :
“Let us give glory to our God,
He who worked wonders!
He is present among us,
Now and forever ! “
And now?
We then headed off to a nearby community hall for a shared potluck meal. This was a very convivial moment, ideal for getting to know each other or rekindling old friendships. Our bishop stayed with us and was able to talk with great enthusiasm to many of those present.
For the times we live in, it was an exceptional moment for us in the Church, but one that makes us say, ‘And now… for us, as Associates of the Daughters of Jesus … how are we going to ‘bounce back’ from their physical absence…and with the strength we have left? Oh Lord, don’t abandon us ! ‘
Anne and Alain Delpech,
Associates of the Daughters of Jesus,
Nérac-Lavardac, France
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