25 Years of Montfortian Religious Life in France
[FR]
LE MARILLAIS, France - On 8 September, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Father Jean-Marie Helpa RAKOTONDRAVAO, SMM celebrated the silver jubilee of his Montfortian religious profession at the Shrine of Our Lady of Le Marillais.
The Mass was presided over by the Superior General of the Missionaries of the Company of Mary, Father Yoseph Putra Dwi Darma WATUN, SMM, in the presence of many confreres, including Father Paulin RAMANANDRAIBE, SMM, the Provincial Superior. Several other Montfortian confreres also gave thanks for the anniversaries of their religious profession.
During his testimony in the homily, Father Jean Marie Helpa, SMM looked back on his journey in the light of the Magnificat and three expressions that have shaped his vocation and mission.
“Through Mary to Jesus” was at the heart of his decision to join the Montfort Missionaries. Although he had already been accepted by the Jesuits, the spirituality of Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort and this path to Jesus through Mary led him to choose the Montfortian family.
“Here I am,” his motto, has accompanied him throughout his religious and missionary life. These words express his readiness to be sent, to leave behind what is familiar and to “uproot” himself in order to respond to the calls of the mission.
Finally, “Emmanuel, God with us” expresses the strength that has sustained him throughout his journey: the certainty that he is never alone and can always rely on God’s faithful presence.
On this Marian feast, Father Jean-Marie renewed his “yes” into the hands of Mary, in the presence of the Superior General. This jubilee was a true “year of grace” for him—a time to give thanks for the journey he has made and to renew his commitment to the service of the mission.
After the celebration, the festivities continued in a warm and fraternal atmosphere, alongside his confreres and all those who are dear to him.
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