June 1, 2016

Voici Daniel! He is about to begin an excellent talk on on-going formation according to St. Teresa and John of the Cross in French. Daniel kindly prepared English translations for Hilary and me and the 2 sisters from the UK - a huge gift, considering his talk was 27 pages long! However, Hilary wanted the challenge of following it in French so she snitched a French copy. (I decided NOT to tell Daniel). To Hilary's surprise, her French translator, Soeur Marie-Paule (Mazille) wanted to follow the English copy.

Daniel made the point that in both initial and on-going formation there is a great need to continue the journey of self-knowledge that leads to the transformation of the person in God. His talk was very well received. Hilary and I thought it was excellent and got permission from Daniel to share it with our US Carmels. 

At the end of the morning the International presentations began. R: Sr. Mary of the UK presents a formation diagram, part of which is below. This was the Google 'Bobblehead' she was referring to!

Below: Sr. Domitille (Africa) and Sr. Marie-Claver present from Africa.

The CCA presentation was on the MLC-CCA on-going formation initiative. We prepared a short PowerPoint which was translated into French. Thanks to Monika, her friend and Claudette for your help with this translation!! The talk was very interesting to the assembly. Afterwards, when questions were invited for all the international guests - 2 out of the 3 questions were to Hilary and me for our presentation. And afterwards several sisters engaged us in further conversation about the program

In the afternoon, Sr. Marie-Odille from Frileuse Carmel took a group of the international sisters to Les Buissonetts. We enjoyed the view from the garden while we were waiting to tour the house. 

Sr. Mary (UK), Sr. Marie Odille (Translator), Moi

We passed a beautiful park in the city on the way back to l'ermitage. 

Thank you for your prayers, Sisters! It has been wonderful to be here with the sisters. Our bonds are strengthened as we daily share contemplative prayer, reflections, meals and the Eucharistic liturgy in the presence of Therese! 

Love to all,

Hilary & Claire