The First Week concluded with a Three-day Retreat at Timadeuc Abbey: a Special Time to encounter the Lord in Silence, Contemplation, and the Rhythm set by the Monks’ Prayers. For some, it was their First Experience of “Staying” in a Monastery and Praying so closely with the Monks. We warmly thank Our Fellow Monks (who share a long history with the FIC!).
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The Second Week would also be marked by Two other Events:
* As in 2024, the Mother House Community took advantage of our presence to highlight the Novena around the Father’s Tomb (it has now become a custom for the people of Ploërmel to come on the 26th to pray with the Brothers and entrust their Intentions to them). This time it took place on the 24th (the 26th being a Sunday): Eucharist in the Chapel, Prayer at the Tomb, and a Friendly Gathering with Refreshments.
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Prayer at the Founder’s Tomb and Time for Fellowship
* Saturday, July 25th: Pilgrimage to St Malo: A Major Mennaisian Site: Eucharist at the Cathedral, short Celebration around the Baptismal Font which witnessed the Baptism of Jean-Marie de la Mennais in 1780! That is where it all began! Then with Our Guide, continuation of the Pilgrimage in the Streets and on the Ramparts of St Malo.
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Then the whole Group of Young Brothers met at the St Servan Community to share a Picnic: A very Fraternal Moment! We thank the Brothers for it!
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The day would end with the Traditional Visit to the Corbières House, Amélia: another place deeply connected to Jean-Marie and Féli’s presence. As is now Custom, we receive a warm Welcome from the Owner, who opens his House and Garden to us, at the end of which lies Féli’s little Pavilion and the Rance River. Thank you, Gilles!
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The Third Week alternated between Formation Sessions, Team Time, Personal Reflection, and Prayer Time.
Wednesday Morning, July 29th: Pilgrimage to Beignon: always a Very Fraternal Welcome from Our Sisters of St Gildas: looking at the Birthplace of Gabriel Deshayes, we measured the Social Gap between Jean-Marie and Gabriel! And yet those Two Priests agreed to Found what would become the Congregation of the Brothers of Christian Instruction of Ploërmel.
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The Morning concluded with the Eucharist at the Parish of Beignon: an opportunity to offer heartfelt thanks to Father Gerald, a Ugandan Student in Rome, who has been leading the Session with such Simplicity, Enthusiasm, and Infectious Joy, as well as providing Spiritual Guidance during the Daily Eucharistic Celebrations… he was celebrating his 9th Anniversary of Priesthood that day! Thank you, Father Gerald!
To be continued…
Brother Hervé ASSE