Thanksgiving celebration – 225 years of presence

Community of Castel

On the 14^th of November, we gathered to celebrate our thanksgiving to God for the 225 years of presence and service of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary. During all of these years, accompanied by the Virgin Mary, we have lived the mission entrusted to Marie Rivier by Jesus Christ. We wanted to thank and bless God for the wonders He has done through us as we lived in faithful service to Him in the various countries where we are.

The event was celebrated in a spirit of appreciation and joy. We began with a prayer vigil on Saturday evening, thanking God and acknowledging the mission he has entrusted to us. It was a moment of praise and thanksgiving as we sang the glory of his name for all the wonders He has accomplished in Marie Rivier and in the Congregation over the years! The vigil celebration prepared us to enter into this time of thanksgiving, fulfilling our innate desire to give praise! We were ushered into the silence of the night in joy awaiting the dawn of a new day.

On Sunday, we gathered at the table of the Lord bringing him offerings during the Eucharistic celebration.

We offered symbols that had meaning for us as Congregation:

–   a book called “Positio”, which contains the process of the Canonization of our Blessed foundress Marie Rivier,

 –  the globe, symbol of our mission in the world,

–   a small sheaf of wheat, remembering and honoring God’s providence that has nourished us all throughout the years,

–   the bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist.

Our day continued with a festive meal and a community recreation in the afternoon organized by the Sisters. The fraternity was great and uplifting.  We ended our celebration of thanksgiving by praying Vespers together in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat!