That was not a Custom! We are going to delve into the Heart of a Mennaisian Institution, and perhaps not into what was visible! But into the Most Secret and undoubtedly the Least Obvious: the Heart of Pastoral Activities!
Let’s meet Mr. Philippe Pouzet, in charge of Pastoral Minsitry at the College:
Hello Philippe, I believe you’ve been at St Joseph-Peyramale for many years? What is your role at the School?
Highlight with students – Bro Michel Vallée from behind.
I have been working for and with the Brothers of Ploërmel since 1984. First at St Sever in the Landes Region at the Collège Ste Thérèse as a Boarding School Manager. Then I arrived at Peyramale in Lourdes in 1988 as a Supervisor, and I became an APS (School Pastoral Animator) in the 2000s.
Leading Pastoral Care in an Establishment – even in Lourdes – must remain a challenge!
A real challenge, indeed. Lourdes, a World-Famous Marian Shrine, but also a French City like any other, with a practice of the Faith that was declining year after year! Parents no longer practice, their children follow their example!
Today, what are the Greatest Difficulties or Obstacles to the Transmission of the Faith?
I am always surprised by the deep and real respect of young people, who remain open to listening and sharing!
In fact, we just have to dare to transmit the faith to them. We just have to sow a Word in their Hearts, Evangelical Values, talk to them about God and Pray with them… Then let the Holy Spirit do the work!
High School Students in front of the Massabielle Grotto
What are your Greatest Joys at St Joseph Peyramale?
-Accompany a young person towards Sacraments, and experience with them all the Moments and Encounters, from the Simplest to the Most Important.
-Spend a Spiritual Morning with Volunteer High School Students at the Sanctuary of Lourdes, offering them the Stations of the Cross, Mass at the Massabielle Grotto (site of the Apparitions), and Confession… Moments of Grace and Great Joy to share together as a True Moment of Pause in Our Lives.
– Listen to a young person! Get to know them to better support them.
Can you Summarize your Role as a Pastoral Leader in a Few Key Words?
Growing up, Learning, Finding One’s Way, Praying, Celebrating, Living Together, Sharing Listen and Flourishing, Accompanying Young People towards the Sacraments and the Profession of Faith.
 Confirmation 2025 |
 Baptisms 2025 |
Are there any “Numbers” (even if they are not the most important) that shows that young people are growing in Faith?
122 Young People took a step of Faith that year! (101 in 2024)
BAPTISM for 9 Middle and High School Students
FIRST COMMUNION for 20 Middle and High School Students
PROFESSION OF FAITH for 43 Middle School Students
CONFIRMATION for 50 3rd Year Students
St Joseph-Peyramale College-Lycée was part of the Mennaisian Network; what does that mean to you?
I have always considered myself a Mennaisian, firstly because I was a student at Peyramale at the time when we had Teaching Brothers, Brother Joseph Pinel, my History Teacher, Brother Mathieu Theaux, responsible for Catechism, and I am still there today! Since 2012 we have brought more than 50 6th Grade Students to visit Ploërmel every year, precisely to Network. We often talk about it with them.
 A Highlight of Confirmation with the Brothers of Lourdes who sponsored the Young Confirmands of the year in Prayer. |
 Pilgrimage of 6th Grade Students from Lourdes to the Mother House in Ploërmel |
The Church now has a New Pastor, Pope Leo XIV. It’s the Jubilee Year, the Year of Hope! How does that resonate with you and the Institution?
Young people were moved by the departure of Pope Francis and the Election of Pope Leo XIV. That represents a New Beginning for the Church. What if it also brought New Hope to Our Young People?
Testimony of Mr. Philippe Pouzet, collected by Bro Hervé ASSE