7 September – Presentation de Marie

7 September

A DAY DEDICATED TO SAINT MARIE RIVIER

This date was very particular! It was a special day to celebrate our Beloved Foundress Saint Marie Rivier! The Lauds in common at the big chapel interiorly disposed us to celebrate this day with joy!

The morning’s celebration was composed of three moments: to celebrate with the Virgins of Marie, to celebrate her Virtues and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. We all know that Marie Rivier has special titles of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Some of them were: Our Lady of Smile, Our Lady of Le Puy and Our Lady of the Presentation. Divided into different groups, we have spent the time to be with each Virgin, with a prayer guide and creative prayerful activities. Each pilgrimage gave us the chance to reflect on the relationships of Saint Marie Rivier with the Virgin Mary.

Her virtues are worth celebrating, for these had made her Saint of the universal Church! Each virtue group was to make a video of a skit, or a mime that portrays her virtues of compassion, Mortification and In the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, we have offered the symbols we created during our pilgrimages to the Virgins of Marie Rivier! There were also a big heart puzzle pieces we placed together to create the heart of Jesus filled with love which impels us to love too! The videos were presented during the evening soirée!

Dr. Waldery Hilgeman, JUD the Postulator for the Cause of ‘Blessed’ Marie Rivier, was present in the afternoon’s activities. He shared a bit of his experience on the canonization process which was happily concluded last May 15, 2022 in St. Peter’s Square. He thanked Mother Maria dos Anjos and the Congregation for the confidence on his capacity and experiences. The Congregation was equally grateful for his service which he had done with so much devotion, and that has brought so much joy in the Religious and Spiritual Family of Saint Marie Rivier and to the Church.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in the panel sharing of invited members of the Spiritual Family of Saint Marie Rivier. These are the areas of Education, represented by Mr. Thierry Monet (Prov. of France) and Mr. Eduardo Bueno (Region of Peru). The Marie Rivier Associates, represented by Mrs Flora (Prov. of Mozambique) and Ms Anabella Antoque (Philippines Prov.) who cannot be present with us. The Consecrated Lay, represented by Ms Pauline Demeurs and the Youth by Ms Diana Alves of the Casa do Maria (Portuguese Province). After their sharing on three questions, there was a time for questioning and clarifying on their particular areas. The panel discussion was well facilitated by Sr. Marian Murcia, the Chapter Moderator.