Monday, May 30th

Today began the Federal Assembly. But before then, we all gathered in the very lovely Chapel of the Virgin of the Smile (it is her figure which outlines the Blessed Sacrament in the center) for 45 minutes of contemplative prayer.

The title of the Assembly is: The Transmission of the Beauty of our Vocation! 

Michelina Tenance, an Italian theologian living in France for the last 20 years, gave several talks throughout the day interspersed with small group sharing. Hilary and I were helped with translation.
Sr. Miryam of the Molineuf Carmel typed notes in French into Google Translator and they appeared in English in the box to the right...amazing! In this way I could follow quite easily.

There are 71 Carmelite sisters participating in the meeting: 62 from the French Federation and 9 international guests from Africa, Germany, UK, Belgium and the good 'ole USA. 

The presentations by the international sisters will be at the end of Wed. morning and the beginning of Wed. afternoon. After that the assembly will begin closed discussions re: elections. Hilary and I alan to use that break to walk up to Les Buissonnets (the home of St. Therese). 

I thought we were pretty techy preparing a PowerPoint translated into French for our little presentation. But when Sr. Mary from the UK (Ware Carmel) said they are doing a Google bobblehead presentation (or something like that!) I knew we were still in the dark ages. 

L. Hilary and Sr. Marie-Paule (her translator) from Mazille, France




Below: L to R
Sr. Mary (Ware, UK)
Sr. Francis (Maryton, UK)
Sr. Juliane from Mazille, France

There are a good number of younger sisters attending the Fed. Mtg for the 1st time. YES!

Meeting Room

Sr. Christine has been greeted by all the sisters of CCA and returns her love 100 fold!

Below: the meeting room was transformed into a concert hall this evening when we were treated to a spiritual concert of Hebraic Songs.  I do not know the story behind the choir but it was very touching that they came to sing for us. Christine thanked them at the end of the program and we sang the Salve Regina to close the evening. 

I will close with some photos Hilary took of l'ermitage, the retreat house where we are staying. 

You are all very much in our hearts and prayers!!!