The Opening of the Intercultural Community and Missionary Send forth

In 2019, the Sisters dreamed of a project: to open an intercultural community at the Motherhouse to bring life to our Sources. This intercultural community shall welcome individuals and groups who wish to visit the Mother House and accompany pilgrims who wish to walk in the footsteps of Saint Marie Rivier. This project, which is close to our hearts, has continued to roll in our heads even when the COVID 19 pandemic tried to hinder its realization. Finally, a few weeks before the canonization of our Mother Rivier, such dream became reality.

On Friday, 1 April 2022, the house where the three Sisters, of different nationalities and cultures, will build the community of Saint Mary Rivier was blessed. This momentous event was graced by the presence of Mother Maria dos Anjos Alves, our Superior General, and Sister Ginette Badiane, General Councilor, and Sister Jane Wilkinson, the Provincial Superior of France. Most of the Sisters of the Province of France were also present as the following Sunday was their Provincial Day of Discernment and Consultation.

Mother Maria dos Anjos Alves called each of the three sisters by name and each one responded, “Here I am!” before moving towards the altar. With them, we invoked the Holy Spirit: “Come, we are waiting for you.”

As they were sent forth, Mother Maria dos Anjos gave each of them an icon of the Holy Family and a lighted votive candle which they placed at the foot of Mary, entrusting themselves to Her and repeating the words of a prayer of Pope Francis.

Sister Jane, in turn, welcomed them to the Province of France and presented them with a basket containing the vows previously written by each of the Sisters present in Bourg Saint Andéol.

As they recited the Lord’s Prayer, all the Sisters held hands as a sign of unity for this special mission. It was a very touching sight and gesture.

We sang the Magnificat enthusiastically with one heart, accompanied by the lively sound of the tam-tam. The final prayer and blessing were then said and given by Fr. Armand.

Since it is the first fruit and the first foundation after the announcement of the canonization of Marie Rivier, the Community takes the name of Saint Marie Rivier. Sister Jeanne Marie Sambou, a Senegalese, was appointed as the local superior of the community. Sister Cresencia Cabahug comes from the Philippines and Sister Teresa de Sousa is from Portugal. The welcoming missionaries began their community life in their new home on the evening of 7 April 2022.

It is our prayer and hope that everything the new community will experience and each of its efforts in this adventure of faith, hope and love may contribute to making Jesus Christ known and loved. All for the greater glory of God!

Adapted and edited from the version published on April 12, 2022

by Sister Cresencia Cabahug, p.m.