Two hundred years ago, the Daughters of Jesus of Vaylats founded the Sainte Thérèse School in Lalbenque France. Sister Marie Josèphe TIRBOIS, who is still active in the parish, has been invited to the anniversary celebration.

A Surprise Invitation

On June 11, I was surprised to receive a message from a mother who is actively involved in the parish’s “faith formation” program: “Invitation to the Ste. Thérèse Elementary School Fair.” I was surprised and delighted. Years had gone by without me receiving an invitation from the school. Now I felt personally involved. I began searching for the few documents I had kept. I asked my sisters for help and contacted Lucie, the school principal.

Together, we found the names of the nuns who had dedicated several years of their lives over a 50-year period, out of the school’s 200-year history.

In the school archives, we found the guest book prepared for the 170th anniversary, which was updated for the 180th anniversary. It’s ready to be shown to everyone!

Reunion Day

The former principal, Odile, is delighted to join us with her husband: they’ve provided us with some welcome shade during this heat wave!

The mayor—a former student and parent—also came to encourage us, highlighting the qualities and values of a very small school with 50 students, the seed from which Collège Ste Thérèse grew and is now approaching 200 students, in this small region where 650 children and young people are enrolled in school.

In turn, the Member of Parliament expressed his support, even coming to greet the Sisters present, who carry the memory of this long history: what a wealth of encounters and memories!

Father Barthélémy, our parish priest, shared a plan with us: that of a beautiful Eucharistic Celebration to mark the start of the school year in the fall of 2026.

Seeds That Have Sprouted

At a gathering of catechists in Lourdes in 2007, one phrase remained etched in my memory: “The seeds sown today will become plants that are still unknown to us and will grow tomorrow!”

Our Founders said: “The girls were happy among those they loved and by whom they felt loved.” The children’s faces reflected this in 2026!

Sr. Marie-Josèphe, fj

Lalbenque, France