June 3, 2016 

Feast of the Sacred Heart

Yesterday, the assembly elected a new president and council. The president is Sr. Marie-Paul from Paris (Montmartre Carmel). She is the only one carried over from the last council. Sr. Marie-Gabrielle (Saint-Saulve), who was in a small group with Hilary and me, is the 1^st Councilor. Then there is Sr. Odile from Marienthal (there are a lot of Odile’s here!!) and Sr. Claire-Agnes from Caen. 

Below is a shot from the party last night in honor of Sr. Christine's last 6 years of service to the Federation. The sisters showered her with gifts and love that was very apparent and touching. There were several really funny skits (ideas for CCA 2018?). Even though we didn't understand the French jokes, we could follow the story line and we enjoyed seeing the sisters laughing heartily! There was also a dance by the African sisters and a touching song by a group of nuns, who presented Christine with a lovely statue of the Good Shepherd. 

Some of our new friends: 

L: ?, R: Sr. Marie, Prioress of Lisieux

Sr. Monique, Plappeville Carmel

Sr. Myriam, Molineuf Carmel and ???


This morning there was a pilgrimage to the Basilica of St. Therese, specifically to the 'corridor of Mercy' in honor of today's feast. Hilary took these photos en route up the hill: 

Taken from the yard of the Basilica

Basilica of St. Therese

Sights from the return trip: 

Typical Normandy architecture

Lodging for pilgrims

More of 'Normandy' flavor

This picture of Celine painting could be one of today's bloggers blogging. (Hilary made me write that! :) )

On the morrow we will be in transit to the Carmel of Le Havre. So there will be no bloggers blogging tomorrow. Stay tuned for Sunday's next chapter. 

Happy Feastday, Sisters, one and all! You are in our hearts and prayers.