Inter-community meeting in France
[FR]
PONTCHATEAU, France - The Calvary of Pontchâteau, with its lush green landscape, transports us to the heart of the mystery of our Lord, as Father de Montfort so graciously intended. And it is in this beautiful place today, June 11, 2025, in memory of Saint Barnabas, that the four mission communities of the Vice-Province of France gathered for a community meeting.
Father Santino BREMBILLA SMM, who served as our moderator, presented the agenda. The opening prayer was presided over by Father Eric MANIRAKIZA SMM, with the participation of several confreres. It focused on thanksgiving: Since you have been chosen by God, sanctified, and loved by him, (…) live in thanksgiving (Col 3:12, 15).
Fr. Paulin RAMANANDRAIBE SMM, Provincial, presented the report of the Extraordinary General Council (EGC), which was delivered not in person but via videoconference. This presentation was followed by practical work carried out in two groups, namely the younger confreres and the older ones. They were asked two questions: What motivates you most for the mission here in France at the Montfortian high places? What do you expect from the older confreres? Following the responses, we participated in a Eucharistic celebration at the Chapel of Our Lady of Calvary, presided over by Fr. Santino.
Then, we had a fraternal meal with the entire team of the Pontchâteau sanctuary. And to conclude the day, we shared various information and received a final blessing from Father Santino. It was a wonderful opportunity for the confreres to meet, to dialogue, to share news, their joys, and their challenges in the mission. It was also a time of prayer, fellowship, and encouragement to continue the mission of following Christ in the footsteps of Father de Montfort.
Serge Orry OCGENOR, SMM
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