RELATION BETWEEN JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD AND THE CONGREGATION

Transcription

1 RELATION BETWEEN JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD AND THE CONGREGATION 4th SUNDAY OF EASTER : GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY, OUR TITULAR FEAST "I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep." (Jn 10, 11) 1. WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN JESUS "THE GOOD SHEPHERD" AND THE NAME OF OUR CONGREGATION (OUR LADY OF CHARITY OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD)? Saint Mary Euphrasia said : "Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd is the true model whom we must try to imitate". (Conférence 6), but is there something behind this story *Since 1640 there was in Angers an institution for women in distress, organized by some pious lay persons. It was called HOUSE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, and was closed during the French Revolution. *Some people in Angers wanted to have it re-opened. When Mary Euphrasia came to establish he r work, the people said: she had come to re-open the GOOD SHEPHERD. *The authorities gave it the same name, GOOD SHEPHERD in the Municipal Registry of Angers, July 8, 1829 where it is stated that the Council does not pose any objection to its installation. (Archives Motherhouse) On June 3, 1829, the little «colony» arrived in Angers with Mary Euphrasia, who installed the sisters in a building known as "Tournemine", formerly used as a factory for fabric printing. From the very beginning, the house bore the name of Good Shepherd in memory of a similar establishment, founded in 1640 on rue St. Nicholas. On July 31, 1829, the Monastery of Our Lady of Charity, called of the Good Shepherd, was officially established in Angers. Mary Euphrasia then returned to Tours to continue her office there as superior. (Vol. I Letters Introduction, Jean-Rémi Côte, CD Bibliothèque Virtuelle Eudiste, Nº5) *Constitution 52 which defines the mode of government, we read: "The monasteries bear the name of Monastery of Our Lady of Charity : OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD OF ANGERS. (Annals, p.227 and Costumbook 1833, p III - X) March 8, 1835 Mary Euphrasia announced the arrival of the solemn Brief of Approval of the Generalate by which the Congre gation of O. L. of Charity of the Good Shepherd of Angers was born in the Church, with slight modifications in the religious habit( engraving on the obverse side of the silver heart worn by the religious: "I beg you, take charge of having the Good Shepherd engraved on the other side of our

2 silver heart, for we must leave O. L. of Charity visible, surrounded by lilies and roses. My daughter, this divine Mother--her name; we retained all. They wanted to take them from us. Oh no, no, notre Jésus Christ in Rome, far from despoiling his poor children, has enriched us with new grâces! " (Letter 222, To the Sisters of the Community of the Good Shepherd at Poitiers, March 13,1835) May 3, Good Shepherd Day, to the Superior of Grenoble : L.J.M. From our Monastery of Angers, May 3, [1835] Day of our great feast of the Good Shepherd Apart from the Decree, our Holy Father the Pope has deigned to accord a most solemn Pontifical Brief, most consoling, which approves for all time, the Generalate, and besides that, the class of children in every one of our foundations. This gives us a special grace for this work. back

3 MARY EUPHRASIA AND JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD 2. WHAT DOES MARY EUPHRASIA SAY ABOUT JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD? a. In her Conferences to the novices, she said: "I am the Good Shepherd; I give my life for the sheep." My dear daughters, during this week, we will reflect together only on the Good Shepherd. This subject will provide us with ample matter for thought, for Jesus the Good Shepherd is the true model whom we must try to imitate in order to measure up to the holiness of our vocation. He is the divine original we must endeavor to reproduce in our conduct. Because he stooped to make us partners in his work and has put us, so to speak, in his place in the sheepfold where he has gathered in so many unfortunate sheep. We must on our part, be filled with the spirit of our adorable Master and live with his very life. My dear daughters, you will do no good nor have the spirit of our vocation until you have the thoughts and affections of the Good Shepherd, of whom you must be the living images in the midst of your dear flocks. (Conference 6). more... b. In her letters * Mary Euphrasia mentions several times Jesus the Good Shepherd or the feast of the Good Shepherd. She never stops speaking on this subject, on the contrary she puts it to good use : - To say a short hello and to recommend union with God, life of faith, of the cross and of love. "How could I consider going to the Good Shepherd (the house of Our Lady of Charity of Angers was known under the name the Good Shepherd) without sending you my warmest greetings my dear St Stanislaus? I know you will appreciate that and therefore I am writing this note, very short, but nevertheless most sincere. Union with God, my dearly loved sister, a life of faith, of crosses, of... (Letter 29, to Sister Mary of St Stanislaus BEDOUET, Assistant, Angers, undated, 1831) - To encourage union and to talk in favor of a young vocation : "Yesterday, eve of the feast of the Good Shepherd, an unusual event inclined us to be perhaps a little too merciful; nevertheless, we choose you as judge, dear Mother. M. Fustier (Vicar General of Tours), saddened because his protégée, (M. of the Conception, a novice who left O. L. of Charity at Versailles and entered at Tours), had left, brought her here, assuring us that she had not been sent away by the Chapter. The tears, the regrets and

4 the pleadings of the young girl touched us, so we admitted her, thinking that we could call on all of you to throw the necessary light on the vocation of this dear child, who appeared to us deeply distressed. She preferred our house to all the others in the town, appearing imbued with the new grace which God has granted her. (Letter 3 to Sister Mary of St Augustine MONTOIS Superior of O. L. of Charity of Versailles, April 9, 1826) - To ask for peace, unity, charity, piety go to the ends of the earth. " you must help us to extend this great work all over the universe, and may we become the good odor of Jesus Christ. This is what our Holy Cardinals ask of us: "Peace, Unity, Charity, Piety. It would be, so he writes --- the most beautiful thanksgiving for the graces God has given you,... I believe, that by translating these lines, I would give you pleasure and encourage all of you to show gratitude, union, and the most perfect dedication, wishing that you be ready to leave all and fly to the ends of the earth, at the least sign of obedience, if necessary. May we be Xaviers, We also pardoned, and even offered a general Communion for our enemies. (Letter 237 to Sister Mary of St Louis ROYNE, Superior at Grenoble, May 3, 1835) - Motives in our work, to announce a foundation at Saumur. "I am the Good Shepherd, I know my Sheep. Yes, my dearly loved Sisters, you are known to the Divine Shepherd and we also know you by your dedication The Lord does not want us to rest. He is manifesting His designs on this precious Generalate. Tuesday, we leave for Saumur, to finalize a foundation in a historical Abbey (in the remains of the buildings of the ancient Abbey of the Benedictines of St Florent, founded in the Xth century). With the consent of Mgr Montault, Mary Euphrasia Pelletier bought these buildings. Our souls pour out our thanksgiving and I see yours uniting with us. (Letter 248 to Sister Mary of St. Sophie LAVOYE, Superior in Metz, June 13, 1835) - Giving the qualities of the Sisters who will join the Community in Nice, and sharing her desire for 100 novices. From our Monastery of Angers, on this day of the Good Shepherd, (May 4, 1840) I am the Good Shepherd! My dearest and devoted daughter, Tomorrow morning at 5 o clock, I leave from her with our two dear Mistresses of the Penitents for Nice; they are full of hearts and flowers, but if you give us fruits, you will see, my dear daughter, if we are not indebted to you forever! However, I enjoyed sending you two good subjects, you can entrust numerous flock of Penitents to these two fervent shepherdesses. They are so tall, strong and robust, well formed in the classes and the offices with superb voices for plainchant; seeing their faces of prosperity, I am sure that your holy Prelate will not be annoyed anymore with his poor St. Euphrasia God is so good, but we are tied down with so much work. You can be sure, it is immense, but our greatest sorrow is not to

5 have the 100 novices for the choir and more. Alas! The harvest is great, therefore, pray! (Letter 640 to Sister Mary Therese of Jesus de COUESPEL) - To wish for a day of thanksgiving and light for Sister Mary of St. Philomena who will be installed and to pronounce on that day her profession of faith and to bless the Community. "The Good Shepherd gives His life for His sheep. It is the day of the Good Shepherd when you will be installed on this holy ground, blest day which appeals to our heart, day of thanksgiving and of light, day of love, day for our Congregation, day on which we will begin a new life. You will have made, on this day, your profession of faith, my loving daughter, and our beloved Sisters will take on their charges, whom I bless in the Name of Our Lord. (Letter 871 to Sister Mary of St. Philomena de STRANSKY, Superior at Alger, April 27, 1843) - But in Letter 948 to Sister Mary of St Stanislaus BEDOUET Mary Euphrasia makes only a small mention, with the solemn celebration of the feast of the Good Shepherd at the Motherhouse : ", my well loved daughter, the Good Shepherd is well celebrated. What a beautiful feast! You must have had great blessings. One can say, that in spite of hell, Poitiers is a great Mission! At the feast of the Good Shepherd, we had a solemn celebration with a sermon by M. Descordes, a celebrated speaker and who visits the Motherhouse with our lady benefactresses. (Letter 948 to Sister Mary of St Stanislaus BEDOUET Superior of Poitiers May10, 1844) - In a funny way she is compared to the Good Shepherd and assures her confidence in the Superior Mary of the Divine Heart Lionet: "I am the Good Shepherd! My gentle, faithful and loving Sheep! I was not your Good Shepherd and yet my heart is so attached to you, oh, my darling Divine Heart! I cannot have 2 hours to speak with you, but you have my full confidence. I have received your two letters, but read what is in my heart. I was in peace, but nevertheless devastated! First, we take care of you my dear Child, you are so helpful to the Community. I see you, in God, with superb classes, especially with the boarders (50) and your externs 60 ( Letter 1163 to Sister Mary of the Divine Heart LIONET Superior at Avignon, April 19, 1847) - Recalling the Biblical text Mary Euphrasia invites the Superior of Limerick, Sister M. of St. Louis Gonzaga de BALIGAND to full confidence: "I am the Good Shepherd! My intimate daughter, have you forgotten my ancient text? Always my beloved daughter, you must and you can, tell me your sorrows. I believe that our three dear Sisters will be your consolation; you will write all to me. Do not fear anything! I rejoiced in God, as you have thought, of the immense progress in our dear Limerick. (Letter 1376 to Sister M. of St. Louis Gonzaga de BALIGAND, Superior of Limerick, April 21,1852) - Mary Euphrasia expresses her concern that the Sisters do not have confessors to prepare them for the feast of the Good Shepherd. "The fourth delay of the Jesuit Fathers for the extraordinary confessions, after 5 months of waiting, afflicts me deeply! What is most sad is that half of the poor religious who are so consumed with work and sacrifices, will not be able to receive Communion on Sunday, our great feast!

6 (Probably Good Shepherd Sunday) (Letter 1697 to Monsieur LEBOUCHER April 18, 1860) - She asks the Pope for a blessing and an indulgence, each year, for the feast of the Good Shepherd. "We dare to beg Your Holiness to grant the Apostolic Blessing and plenary indulgence to us, each year on the Immaculate Conception and Good Shepherd Sunday. (Letter 1790, Petition addressed to Pope PIUS IX handed to Mgr Nardi on a visit to Angers, August 28, 1865) FOR YOU : What was the name given to the Sister, first professed in ANGERS? Sister Mary of the GOOD SHEPHERD, was the first to make Profession in Angers. She was a secretary of Mary Euphrasia.