What would Marie Rivier do?

Epidemics in the History of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary

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Curbing of the epidemic in Gréoux – Tulette is delivered

Terrible scourge that harvests so many people in so little time

Sisters are deprived of their students all the time God wills

Accommodations in a healthy and pleasant lodging in the building for baths

Carry your cross together – in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Prudence, modesty, reflection, speak little,

Edify everyone through your self-discipline and the practice of virtues.

Be happy!

The epidemic enlarged the hearts of our Sisters and of our dear Foundress. The exchange of letters were frequent. Marie Rivier rejoiced on those days that had no cases of infection and asked God’s mercy and protection for all. With bold trust, she asked the Sisters to lean on the Cross of Jesus Christ and to count on the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mother Rivier also thanked the friends of the Sisters who took care of them in the parishes.

Health protocols were established in the Congregation. Shopping in Sunday markets was limited to essentials and for whatever was necessary for the day. The community ate only food that was cooked. When travelling, quarantine was required for 7 days and on the 8th day, they could continue their journey. They avoided stopping or passing by the cities and villages where there was an outbreak of the disease. Marie Rivier continued her travels, the foundations of new communities and her visits of the Sisters. She was well aware of the conditions of all the communities.  Bourg St-Andéol had fewer cases compared to other parts of the Region.

Marie Rivier from St Julien to Sr Marie, Sr Célestine and Sr Sophie in Bourg on Sept. 25, 1835 :

“All the details that you give me about our patients and about all other things make me very happy. I am not edified by the lack of zeal of our Sisters of Mondragon, since they have so little dedication for the sick.

Here is the final decision, my dear daughter. Rigaud must leave on Monday, so that on Sunday as we travel, we will not have to stay in some inn on the way. We will leave from here on the same day, Monday, October 5th; if you cannot make arrangements for us to leave on Monday, at least, I beg you, on Tuesday at the latest.

For our departures, we no longer think of cholera, we abandon ourselves to Providence. We look forward to being with you. However, send us new of the cholera by Rigaud. Is it better to pass by the valley of the Rhone or by Montélimar? (Letter n° 192-3)

Marie Rivier from St Julien to Sr Marie on September 26, 1835 :

“Let us abandon ourselves, for cholera as for everything else, in the arms of our good God. As soon as I have finished my work, I will set out on my way; I am not worried about the cholera. The cholera of souls that I find everywhere, like in Largentière, and here in another way, tires me more than all kinds of disease…

 Blessed be God that grapes are good for all of you; eat them with appetite. Oh, how I desire to find you all well! Don’t be afraid of cholera; pray with fervor; the Blessed Virgin will preserve us, I have confidence in her.  Also cholera will not prevent me from leaving, for I see that here, the cold chills of catarrh would kill me. However, my cold is getting better: blessed be God! “(Letter n°171-3)

Read more…  The Epidemics in the History of the Congregation