NOUVELLES EN FAMILLE

NOTICIAS EN FAMILIA year rd series, nr 105 June 2015

NOTIZIE IN FAMIGLIA th th 10 14 FAMILY NEWS 113 News bulletin of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Betharram

A WORD FROM THE SUPERIOR GENERAL

Our Life is a Prophecy We must know how to leave God for God. When I was Assistant In this issue in Cambo someone came to fetch me to go and see a poor individual In the last issue of NEF, May 2015, I who was at death’s door. Furthermore it was a fast day and I was just Page 4 • 17th May 2015 was sharing how much the witness of Maria about to have my meal; I had already prayed; I must add that I was Page 5 • The secret of the Eugenia had struck me: the way she knew ravenous! But God was calling me elsewhere. What was I to do? Leave Page 6 • A contemplative life but a the charisms of the congregation, thanks to a Religious Brother for his sermon and his God for God, and that’s what I did. full one Page 9 • What Mary of Jesus apostolic work, as well as his way of life. That (Cachica Notebook nr. 21) Crucified means to us delighted me to see that the life of one of Page 12 • Bird’s eye view of the our brothers was so attractive, appealing, capable of stirring up a conversion in this Congregation young woman. And I gave thanks to God Page 13 • Notices from the General for it. Council This witness made me think a lot about Page 14 • Blessed Fr L.-E. Cestac the meaning of our Betharramite life. Page 15 • † Father Henri Lataste scj Since today an education is given to eve- Page 16 • † Father Bruno Ierullo scj ryone, whether it is by the State or priva- Page 18 • The Fondeville Notebook (6) tely, it seems di cult for the life of a tea- Page 20 • Listening to St Michael... ching Brother to be as meaningful as in the Generalate House past. Di cult but not impossible. That goes via Angelo Brunetti, 27 too for those who work in the  eld of Health. So 00186 Rome (Italy) often Education and Health are professionalised. Telephone +39 06 320 70 96 The event of travelling to a far-o place for a mission also appears to be hardly signi cant to the men and wo- Societas Smi Cordis Jesu 105 Fax +39 06 36 00 03 09 B E T H A R R A M 2015 Email [email protected] www.betharram.net tions, sometimes putting their li- were living in the rue symptoms were unu- ves at risk. When the rst events Lamothe where they sual, then a visit to ared up in the Ivory Coast, the had an apartment. the sanctuary was of- French Embassy employed heli- Soon the purchase of ten suggested. There copters to facilitate the evacuation Lacortiade House on Mary would have a of French nationals working wit- the High Street by the novena of prayers hin the framework of dierent re- Bishop for his pied-a- suggested to them. lief organisations. They suggested terre in Pau aorded She would have a to Father J.M. Ruspil to return this the Congregation medal showing her way but he refused to abandon the with a beautiful spa- statue, or an image people who had been entrusted to cious house. That too of her chapel to be him; this gesture was appreciated was the work of Our worn; she would have by the faithful of Dabakala. The Lady of Betharram. them make a vow same thing happened a year later Our Lady of Bethar- to visit the hallowed (or so) to Father Bacho, and later ram continued to be place, the Calvary, on in Central Africa with our Italian the refuge of sinners, the tomb of the ve- missionary brothers. Equally, the the consolation of nerable superior two presence of Father Sergio Gouarna- the aicted and the or three times accor- lusse by the side of the peasants of handicapped for in ding to the distance Santiago del Estero, in the North of the missions in Or- Painting by Joseph Castaing (1909), in the chapel of separating them. It Argentina, in their struggle to de- thez, Mauleon and the college at Bétharram would be interesting fend their land, was signicant and Pau there was much to know how many prophetic. talk about Our Lady of Betharram and of cases of epilepsy were cured! For 32 years When our lifestyle surprises the wonders which she continued to do women obtained in Betharram the grace Icon of Saint Michael Garicoïts those around us and makes them in her chapel. The unfortunate husbands to oer to the Lord the children they painted by Fr. Philippe Hourcade scj pose questions, that is what is and wives were punished and soon re- wanted. People overcome by the loss of signicant. That is how we are turned to the rules of chastity and to what animals or by other misfortunes on the men of today. So many volunteers and prophetic – we become a living word of was their duty. The youth learned how to land or in the sheepfold would receive charity workers spend years of their lives the mystery of the God of Love for those discern their vocation; great projects for pictures with the monogram JMJ, or the within the framework of a relief organisa- close to us. marriage reached their climax and conse- invocation “Oh Mary, conceived without tion, for a service free to people and po- It is the seriousness, the coherence quently lives of crime gave way to a Chris- sin, pray for us”. For the elds medals were pulations in di cult situations - as if this and the reponsibility with which we live tian way of living. In missions and jubilees usually given; the novena was always re- volunteering was fullling a sense of wan- day by day, individually and as a commu- where she sent her workers Our Lady of commended together with trust in Our ting to make a dierence as a missionary nity, that produce our life’s contribution: Betharram consoled those souls slaves of Lady and followed by a genuine conver- might. That way, our spirituality within a material sin and overcome with remorse. These sion. We must also add that, in the recent context thirsts after spiritual experiences; workers were formed in her own sanc- past, our missionary brothers have wit- our celibacy in a pleasure-seeking atmos- tuary. They had opened the eyes of the Simon Fondeville SCJ nessed through their choice to stay near phere, our poverty in the face of those people; they had prayed for the sick and (1805-1872) the local populations, instead of running who only want to stockpile; our obe- if the sickness was going to be long and (to be continued) o when confronted with di cult situa- dience in a world that puts self rst, our resisting the art of the specialists, if the

2 • Family News nr. 105, 14th June 2015 • 19 THE FONDEVILLE NOTEBOOK OR BETHARRAM SINCE 1790 (6)

Secondary Education at Betharram... The election of the brotherliness in an individualistic society; earn our living by means of a gainful ac- community superior... New Foundations... The blessings of and our seless devotion in the activities tivity. As it emerges, we are self-serving. Notre Dame... of our missions in the service to the poor The message that we send that way to and the good news of Jesus Christ, while others is a kind of professionalising of the The more you have the more you want, as the saying goes. As M. Garicoits contemplated the abundant fruits in the average mindset only lucrative ac- ministry just as society has professiona- of having a high class school in the building under the direction of M. Didace Barbe, he decided that the tivities and sources of economic gain are lised Education or Health. We are losing Congregation would recruit more easily in an institution where Latin was on the curriculum. looked for. sight of the unique purpose of our mi- It can also happen that those who nistry – having experienced the love of He judged that the time was ripe, just as holed up in this part of the world as the share our faith, as those who have other God which lls our lives with enthusiasm, M. Gaya wanted to withdraw from his pa- result of a fall from his horse. He had the convictions, do not perceive this serious- we want to bring the same happiness to rish ministry knowing that he had a BA . opportunity of making several trips in the ness in our lives and do not see clearly others. On the other hand, people notice M. Gaya couldn’t resist such a sign of trust area, he liked what he saw as well as the that we are living by these values. Often that certain lay-people, without saying a and so it was that after his holidays in devotions at Betharram; nally he settled from another perspective, our lifestyle Word, live the Gospel more earnestly than 1847 the Institution opened and the nu- there in 1848. contradicts our speech when we claim we do. mber of pupils reached 200. Meanwhile the Bishop had bought the that we are dedicated. In our desire to live Our life must be the sign of light, of salt; In 1848 the Congregation obtained from old manor house, Moncade in Orthez. He with others, we have not been capable of it must be a catalyst. It must have cohe- the Bishop the permission to elect its own entrusted it to the Congregation and M. showing that there are things which, due rence between what we say, do and have. superior. The election was conducted Perguilhem was appointed rst superior; to our free life choice, must be dierent, These three dimensions of our existence with all the seriousness of a conclave and M. Barbe was sent with him as well as a breaking away from the spirit of the world cannot be in contradiction as the mes- M. Garicoits was elected unanimously. A few students to open a primary school. and must therefore be signicant. sage must be clear, not confused, transpa- solemn Te Deum was sung immediately. M. Serres, a priest with a BA, raised it in If we were to avoid this dierence too rent, not opaque. All this depends on the At the same session the council consisting 1852 to the rank of an institution where much which would make us stand out, consistency of our life. “You are the light of Messrs Guimon, Didace Barbe and Chi- teaching continued to year 3. Soon the we would become changed by the world of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be rou was renewed. The latter was named conduct of the masters and pupils gave around us, as says. The indivi- hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it un- assistant and bursar at the same time. such pleasure to the town, as well as the dualism, which hampers the brotherly life, der the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, To this must be added the purchase of the progress made in their studies, that eve- is well known to us all, as it is to those we and it gives light to all in the house. In the Esquerre property, situated in Montaut ryone wanted a free school so the local are close to in the Parish or whom we live same way, let your light shine before others, to the north of the village. By this time council oered the old college to the our mission among. We can say the same so that they may see your good works and Betharram had enrolled several brothers; Congregation. thing about the independant way we use give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matt. they were already more than 14 or 15 and In 1852 the Bishop bought the old our wordly goods or, as another example, 5: 14-16.) for vegetable patch there was only the convent in Mauleon to open a boarding our resistance to obedience to change. little garden near the Gave. This proper- school. M. Romain Bourdenne, ordained In the end, it is the lack of conviction, of Gaspar Fernández Pérez, SCJ ty was bought for 10 or 12000 francs. It in 1853, was appointed to this establish- passion, of servant-mindset or of joy with Superior General was called Ste Marie and rightly so since ment with M. Goailhard and M. Saubatte which we carry out our mission and which the price was found by our Foundress until 1856. should be so characteristic of it. Marie. She made use of the generosity of Already in 1851 the Bishop had had the We proclaim that our ministry is the M. Delestre to raise three quarters of the church of St Louis de Gonzague built in good news of Jesus Christ, the building up sum needed. He was a retired army o cer Pau as a special vicariate. His Lordship of the Church, but the people of God rea- whom she had invited to her sanctuary. appointed M. Vignau as Vicar in 1852 lise that we are doing it to make ourselves This God fearing man from Burgundy was and gave him M. Lassus as assistant. They feel good, to exercise a clerical power, to

18 • Family News nr. 105, 14th June 2015 • 3 SNAPSHOTS OF BETHARRAMITE LIFE

ritual director at St. Joseph College in Buenos Aires. Arriving in 1978, he was asked to be director of the Col- th 17 May 2015 lege of the Sacred Heart in Rosario, a position he occupied until the late 90s. In 1991, he was appointed Pro- vincial Superior of the Rio de la Plata (Argentina and Uruguay), a post he fullled for two terms until late 1998. During that time, he was also college director at Saint Joseph in Buenos Aires. These were di cult years com- bining many struggles and research into educational engagement. He participated in the constitutional convention in 1993 as a representa- tive of the education sector for the province of Santa Fe. Each summer, he was a tireless missionary in Ca- tamarca and Santiago del Estero. In 1999 he ter having celebrated his 72 years, after a di- was appointed General Councillor for two sease he faced with courage, attended very terms and Coordinator for Latin America. He carefully by doctors. A recent development lived in Argentina taking on pastoral respon- was severe and certainly hit him hard. He had sibility in the colleges of the Sacred Heart and to spend the last two weeks at a British hospi- St Michael Garicoits for two years. In 2001, he tal. These words are only the outline of the life returned to Martin Coronado, his beloved of a religious Bétharramite priest so fruitful it city; there he was to be the religious advisor is so di cult to summarize in a few senten- « My child, treat yourself as well as you can afford ... in charge of pastoral responsibility until just ces. An existence entirely devoted to creating Do not refuse yourself the good things of today. » (Si 14, 11.14) recently. He had become, in some way, the the Kingdom of God wherever he was sent. priest of the college for a generation of nu- With a very special human quality, a great merous fathers, children and grandchildren. love for his congregation and for children, So many camping trips, climbing Champa- youth and families, he accompanied them as qui, excursions to Calamuchita, his favourite a father and a pastor with tireless energy and place in Bariloche, always accompanied by attention. His departure leaves a great void him, always having an unassuming manner, in the heart; only the power of hope can ll organizing everything, cooking, celebrating this, the hope that wherever he is now, by the mass, hearing confessions, xing what was mercy of the Lord, he enjoys eternal rest in a broken, healing wounds, and taking care heavenly Bétharram. of buying everything necessary to make everyone feel good ... Father Bruno left us af- Gustavo Agín SCJ

4 • Family News nr. 105, 14th June 2015 • 17 A MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP OF ROME ever, I may  y to all the demands of my voca- expressed by Michael Garicoits in that dream The secret of the saints tion so as to act at all times according to your of his. This holy missionary was putting into wishes and in the state where your love holds practice in the 19th century the great art of di- FOUR RELIGIOUS SISTERS, INCLUDING MARIAM BAOUARDY WERE CELEBRATED me” (June 1933) “To all the demands of my recting souls and leading them to God. How ON THE 17TH MAY IN ROME. PERFECT WOMEN? PERHAPS NOT BUT THEY vocation”. The vocation of Henri Lataste was can we not be amazed on seeing how Henri WERE CERTAINLY MODELS OF HOLINESS! IN HIS HOMILY, POPE FRANCIS where God had put him and where he ac- Lataste resumed in his priesthood the ideal UNDERLINED THEIR RADICAL COMMITMENT TO FOLLOWING CHRIST THANKS complished His will. (...) of the French Spirituality of the humanity of TO THE GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, OR IN THE CASE OF OUR SISTER The ministry of Father Lataste at La Roche- Jesus that is of his heart a ame with love for FROM PALESTINE, THROUGH A DIALOGUE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. foucauld and at the Alma, his accompani- the whole of humanity? (...) ment of so many engaged couples and fa- Right up to the end Father Lataste thought “We base our faith in the risen Lord on the his poverty, his virginity and his obedience; and milies for the christening of their children, that tomorrow would see him  t for his mis- witness of the Apostles, which has come this same love calls us to cultivate contemplati- his presence with those who had reached sion either on foot or on his motor-bike! down to us through the mission of the ve prayer. Sister Mariam Baouardy experienced retiring age is witness of the beauty of life Providence had willed that he should reach Church. Our faith is fi rmly linked to their this in an outstanding way. Poor and uneduca- as God has ordained; and his presence with the end of a well- lled life. It is evening and testimony, as to an unbroken chain which ted, she was able to counsel others and provide his parishioners in their hour of need bears the door has closed in the study where he spans the centuries, made up not only by theological explanations with extreme clarity, witness today to the gentleness of a God has been waiting to hear some con dence. the successors of the Apostles, but also the fruit of her constant converse with the Holy who gives strength to the soul. The shaft of light has died down; he has by succeeding generations of Christians. Spirit. Her docility to the Holy Spirit made her The extraordinary journey of Father Lataste met up with the angels; like them, we can Like the Apostles, each one of Christ’s also a means of encounter and fellowship with is to be seen through his vocation in the be sure that the faithful watchman that he followers is called to become a witness to the Muslim world. [...] service of souls and which had already been is, is still on guard. his resurrection, above all in those human To abide in God and in his love, and thus to settings where forgetfulness of God and proclaim by our words and our lives the resur- human disorientation are most evident. rection of Jesus, to live in unity with one ano- Father Bruno Ierullo SCJ If this is to happen, we need to remain in ther and with charity towards all. This is what the Vallelonga (Italy), 21 March 1943 - Buenos Aires (Argentina), 2 June 2015 the risen Christ and in his love [...]. This is four women Saints canonized today did. Their the secret of the saints: abiding in Christ, luminous example challenges us in our lives as Father Bruno Ierullo was born in Vallelonga, he pursued them at Rafael Calzada taught joined to him like branches to the vine, Christians. How do I bear witness to the risen Calabria, on 21 March 1943. It was at the by the Fathers of the Divine Word; there he in order to bear much fruit (cf. Jn 15:1-8). Christ? This is a question we have to ask oursel- age of 12 that he emigrated with his family developed his interest in philosophy and And this fruit is none other than love. ves. How do I abide in him? How do I dwell in to America with his father, his mother and theology. In 1969 he was ordained a priest An essential aspect of witness to the risen his love? Am I capable of “sowing” in my family,  ve younger brothers. Even as a child he hel- in the chapel of the Holy Family of Adrogué Lord is unity among ourselves, his disciples, in my workplace and in my community, the seed ped his parents by working on modest tasks (Bétharram). He began his ministry as a re- in the image of his own unity with the Father. of that unity which he has bestowed on us by such as selling vegetables on the market or ligious priest,  rst at Villa Bétharram going Today too, in the Gospel, we heard Jesus’ giving us a share in the life of the Trinity? shining shoes in Avellaneda. After a few ye- into ordinary neighbourhoods, still devoted prayer on the eve of his passion: “that they When we return home today, let us take with ars, the family he always loved came to live to the catechesis of children and the service may be one, even as we are one” (Jn 17:11). us the joy of this encounter with the risen in Wilde, a district of Avellaneda where they of the poorest people. There he met a group From this eternal love between the Father Lord. Let us cultivate in our hearts the com- still live. He then entered the Bétharramite of young, engaged and married people who and the Son, poured into our hearts through mitment to abide in God’s love. Let us remain Apostolate at Barracas at the age of 13, whe- helped him realize his dream: the children’s the Holy Spirit (cf. Rom 5:5), our mission and united to him and among ourselves, and fol- re, over time, his vocation matured. He did home of Our Lady of Bétharram which he our fraternal communion draw strength; low in the footsteps of these four women, mo- his novitiate and studied at the seminary in founded 40 years ago! this love is the ever-fl owing source of our dels of sanctity whom the Church invites us to Villa Bétharram at Adrogué. As for his studies, In the 70s he was a religious teacher and spi- joy in following the Lord along the path of imitate.”

16 • Family News nr. 105, 14th June 2015 • 5 LIFE OF THE CONGREGATION IN MEMORIAM

A contemplative life but a full one Father Henri Lataste SCJ Captieux (France), 10 February 1928 - Paris (France), 10 May 2015 THE LIFE OF MARIAM BAOUARDY IS AN UNUSUAL STORY : ORPHANED AT 3, HOMELESS AT 13 BECAUSE SHE REFUSED TO RENOUNCE HER FAITH, SHE WORKED AS A SERVANT If only we could have a group of priests whose pro- WHEREVER PROVIDENCE LED HER : , , , BEFORE LANDING gramme was that of the Heart of Jesus...! Such priests UP IN . AND THAT WAS ONLY THE START! BUT WHAT EMERGED FROM would be a real flying corps of good priests, ready to HER STORY WAS A WOMAN WHOSE CHARACTER BECAME STRONG AND WHOSE RARE rush where ever they have been sent, even and above DETERMINATION WAS PUT IN THE SERVICE OF OBEDIENCE AND HUMILITY. all if it is in the most difficult of ministries which others wouldn’t even want!

This Palestinian Carmelite Sis- Maison Saint-Michel with the Homily at Saint-Pierre du Gros Caillou parish (Paris) on May 15 ter has just been canonised Betharram religious. by Father Richard Escudier opened. Those who see the glorication of in Rome on Sunday 17th She was christened Mariam. I don’t mean to say that Father Henri Lataste their human nature have an even greater May. She had been beat- Her parents had made a wanted to go to Saint-Pierre du Gros Caillou happiness” It was with the eyes of faith that ied on 13th November promise to give her this where others were unwilling to go! But it is a Henri Lataste celebrated the mystery of Jesus 1983. Why is the diocese rst name during a pil- fact that this devoted servant of God spent 50 in the service of his brothers. of Bayonne interested in grimage they had made years there, in the service of La Rochefoucauld There are some who say that all that seems Mariam Baouardy, born in to the Manger at Bethle- parish and the families of the sector. This mor- very mysterious! But a priest’s life should be 5th January 1846 at hem; they had gone here ning we share the pain of his family and the a mystery or else it is not a reality. Father La- Abelin, not far from distraught having lost their prayer of all those who knew and loved him. taste proved this discretely in performing his and who died in the Carmelite rst 12 baby boys who had died We can be grateful that his departure towar- priestly duties in the service of all. Those who monastery at on 26th in infancy. The following year an- ds God and the celebration of his funeral are came into contact with him understood that August 1878, at the age of 33? Quite simply other boy, called Boutros, was born. By the taking place round the feast of the Ascension. the passing days were not empty of eternity. because she lived for 6 years of her short life age of three Mariam had lost both parents As we look towards heaven we know that Christian hope is easily accessible to those in Pau, in the Carmelite monastery of the and she was entrusted to an uncle, a trader the things of this earth are transgured by whose lives have been touched by God. Sacred Heart and which, in 1969 became in Alexandria, Egypt. It was at Pau that she the light of the Glory of God and of the Risen Those who had been through trials and who Christ. In contemplating the One now seated had proted by his ministry know it better at the right hand of the Father, Christians che- than anyone else. Since Father Lataste was rish the hope which is given them that God’s a regular visitor to the Hostel at La Flatiere, I love has denitely enlightened the world. am going to quote these words from Father “Blessed are the pure of heart, for when they Jacques Ravanel, who is the founder: “The life don’t see God, they hear Him. Blessed are the of faith does not grow through doubts, but pure of heart because God shows Himself to through non-evident assurances.” them..... He speaks to them”. In her Journal Now one can begin to talk about the myste- (27th February 1930) Marthe Robin says that ry of the special vocation of each individual, what Henri Lataste accomplished in his heart such as Marthe Robin expressed, she who as a priest: throughout his whole priestly had the rst idea of the Charitable Hostels: life he celebrated the Eucharist believing in “My God, ll me with an ever greater re, with the invisible. St Leo the Great wrote: “At the a new re; ll my soul with all the ames of breaking of bread the eyes of the guests were the Holy Spirit so that, more generously than

6 • Family News nr. 105, 14th June 2015 • 15 LIFE OF THE CONGREGATION (CONTINUATION)

Blessed Father Louis-Edouard Cestac was given the name “Marie of Jesus Cruci- monastery in India at Mangalore; she left ed,” in religion. She entered this Carmelite Pau on 21st August 1870 together with ve ON MAY 31, FATHER LOUIS-EDOUARD CESTAC, FOUNDER OF THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND monastery 15th June 1867. The name she other and three religious of the COMPANION OF MICHAEL GARICOITS IN THE SEMINARY, WAS BEATIFIED DURING A SOLEMN CELEBRATION was given was meant to signify the suer- Third Order which had scarcely been found- PRESIDED BY CARDINAL ANGELO AMATO (PREFECT OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS) ings of Jesus which she would share, includ- ed in Bayonne by Mother Veronica who had IN THE SAINTE- MARIE CATHEDRAL, IN BAYONNE. OUR CONGREGATION WAS PRESENT WITH OUR ing the stigmata on her hands and feet, on been a great support for Mariam. Three of SUPERIOR GENERAL, FR GASPAR FERNÁNDEZ PÉREZ SCJ, THE REGIONAL VICAR, FR JEAN-DOMINIQUE her side and on her forehead. On 24th May her companions died on the journey. On DELGUE SCJ AND THE SUPERIOR OF THE COMMUNITY OF ANGLET, FR BEÑAT OYHÉNART SCJ. 1868 in the hermitage “Our Lady of Mount 21st November 1871 she celebrated the Carmel” she had a most extraordinary mys- rst religious profession. Soon her friends Mgr. Amato began his homily with these words... : tical experience: the piercing of her heart began to have doubts because of the dia- « The diocese of Bayonne shines out in the Church by the holiness of two of its priests, similar to that of Therese of Avila, who had bolical possessions for which she was vic- St Michael Garicoïts, founder of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Je- reformed Carmel. It was such a great com- tim; she was sent back to Pau in September sus of Bétharram, and Blessed Louis-Edouard Cestac, founder of the Congregation of the munion of love with the Lord that she was 1872. It was only a long time later that her Servants of Mary of Apostolic Life and of the Bernardines of Contemplative Life. Cardinal wounded to the heart. After her death superior in India rehabilitated her. “With all Lavigerie, who had known both priests, considered them really holy and worthy to be pro- when the surgeon removed her heart the my heart I want it to be known that mistakes posed as models of priestly virtues and apostolic zeal. (...) » scar was visible; Mariam wished that her were made at Mangalore” God allowed this heart should be brought back to Pau, “her to happen so that Divine Providence could ...and he concluded it as follows: family home”. continue carrying out his projects through « Blessed Cestac offers us three teachings to meditate upon today. Firstly, he invites us to have faith In the midst of great trials and tribulations this young Carmelite incapable of reading in God and in his divine Providence, present in the history of mankind and the Church and especially in she was the soul of humility, obedience the psalms in French or in Latin. Once back the circumstances of our family and personal life. We are sons of God, who loves us, guides us, forgives and charity even when her community in Pau she began planning a foundation in us. Let us give thanks daily through the prayer, Our Father. Secondly, Blessed Cestac invites us to turn was full of admiration at her ecstasies and Bethlehem. Father Estrate, a Betharramite to our neighbours in need and to those outcast, to be welcoming, generous and merciful. Finally, as predictions which were to the point. The who was her confessor would support her; much to us as to his Servants of Mary, he strongly recommends to aim at holiness, the ultimate purpose cloistered existence in Pau was not a life he found her a benefactor who would - of Christian life. It is the daily holiness made by loyalty, by work, by absence of sin, by connecting oursel- cut o from the world. She quickly felt the nance the entire project, Berthe Dartigaux ves to His Grace, by receiving the Sacraments frequently and especially by communion with Jesus. By missionary call to go and found a Carmelite only daughter of the President of the Ap- ourselves we cannot do a lot, but with the help of the Lord, with the protection of the Virgin Mary and by connecting ourselves to the grace, we can too climb the mountain of the holiness. » First steps of founders « Listening to God’s will, without any preestablished plan, each one [Michael Garicoïts and Louis-Edouard Cestac] passed through a long process of discernment to respond to the particular call he received. Michael, in Bétharram, began the adventure with some brothers and in 1835 founded the society of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Bétharram (...); Edouard, moved by the girls he met in the streets of Bayonne, welcomed them in 1836, working together with young lay women who would be- come the first Servants of Mary. When, at the end of 1841, Edouard had to write the Rules of Life of the Servants of Mary, he chose to go back to Betharram: “I needed to gather my thoughts somewhere and work there”. (...) The two friends must have also shared their apostolic aspirations ...» Sr Isabelle Lordon, Servant of Mary

14 • Family News nr. 105, 14th June 2015 • 7 to show where Jesus had the Mary of Jesus Crucied, the Carmelite Sis- meal with his two disciples at ters and the Betharram Fathers. After this Region Amouas, near Latroun. Sev- talk, a Eucharistic Celebration presided by eral years later a 3rd century Fr Sylvain Dansou, was broadcast live on a basilica was discovered, one catholic national radio channel. England of the oldest in the . Olton ►Here in England the celebra- Before leaving for Pau she tions for the of Sr Mary of had another revelation that Jesus Crucied went well. A leaet about she would not see the com- Region the life of St Mariam was distributed in pletion of the construction in most of our Parishes. (It was impossible Bethlehem. On 22nd August to distribute them to all our parishes 1878 as she was carrying two VIARUR-VIBRA-VIPAR since they were receiving late from the buckets of drinking water to The three vicariates organized various printers). These leaets were welcomed the workmen, she fell and events, novenas, masses, moments of by everyone. At Olton Friary Parish the fractured her left arm; gan- sharing with the Betharramite laity to day started with the First Holy Commu- grene set in and on 26th Au- celebrate the new Saint (as in Adrogué nion Children crowning the Statue of peal Court at Pau. Mgr Lacroix (Bishop 1838 gust she died exclaiming “My Jesus, pity!” She precisely on May 17th), as the many posts Our Lady for May. This was followed by – 1878) had still to ask authorisation from who described herself as “the last of all” is the on social networks bear witness. We note the blessing and incensing of St Mariam Rome. The letter was composed in the same perfect modal of humility and obedience. “In also the presence of Fr. Francisco de Assis Baouardy’s picture which was given by Hermitage “Notre Dame du Mont Carmel”. Heaven there are many vices, but no pride. In dos Santos SCJ, invited to Rome to repre- an Indian Artist. There was also a small Mariam insisted that the Bishop send Canon hell there are many virtues but no humility”. sent his Region, entrusted with the prayer display about her life. Bordachar, superior of the college in Maule- We are very happy here in Pau to celebrate intentions of our Latin American brothers. on and of the Dominicans, to Rome. As if by this canonisation; it reminds us of the great miracle Pope Pius IX granted the authorisa- solidarity which we are invited to practice tion on 16th May 1875. On 20th Septem- with the Christians of the Middle East who NOTICES FROM THE GENERAL COUNCIL ber seven Carmelites set out for Bethlehem are now facing persecution. The chapel accompanied by Berthe Dartigaux, Canon of the former Carmel – now Maison Saint Bordachar and Father Estrate. On their ar- Michel – and the hermitage are the only Notices from the Superior General & his Council rival a ock of doves showed the site of the two places where we can receive the gospel On June 10, in the extraordinary session of the General Council, the Superior General with the vote of consent of Carmelite monastery as Mariam had been message of the Beatitudes handed on to his Council decided to present to priesthood Br. Vincent de Paul Worou Dimon (Vicariate of the Ivory Coast) and told in a vision. us by this Carmelite from Galilee. They are Br. Jean-Paul Kissi Ayo (Vicariate of the Holy Land). She became the architect and foreman being both open each day from 8h00 to 19h00. At the only person speaking Arab and conse- her request a votive Mass of the Holy Spir- In memoriam quently capable of talking to the workmen. it is celebrated on the 2nd Tuesday of the Before the completion of the building she month at 19h00. For the past 45 years the • On Thursday, May 28, Mrs Jeanine RUSPIL, sister-in-law of Frs Joseph and Jean-Marie Ruspil SCJ has died. We ex- received a divine call for the foundation of a Betharramite religious are present in the for- press our condolences to the family of Frs Joseph and Jean-Marie and we pray for the repose of the soul of their Carmel in Nazareth. In the course of a visit the mer Carmel convent. beloved Jeanine. site was bought but it would be 30 years be- • On Friday, May 29, Mrs Lucie Arçuby Olçomendy, 87 years, sister of Fr Jean-Baptiste Olçomendy SCJ, passed away. fore the monastery was built. During this trip Laurent Bacho, SCJ Please let’s hold Fr. Jean-Baptiste and his family in our humble prayers during this sad time. she had a revelation that she would be able • Let us also pray for a sister of Fr. Julian Miguel scj, who died this month.

8 • Family News nr. 105, 14th June 2015 • 13 BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE CONGREGATION

the Saint-Michel community; the singing What Saint Mary of Jesus Crucified means to us Generalate House of the Little Choir St Michael Garicoits ani- mated the prayer session. A silent ado- THE LIFE OF MARIAM BAOUARDY IS AN UNUSUAL STORY : ORPHANED AT 3, HOMELESS AT 13 BECAUSE ration followed, and the faithful had the SHE REFUSED TO RENOUNCE HER FAITH, SHE WORKED AS A SERVANT WHEREVER PROVIDENCE LED 17 May 2015 ► After a long period of wait opportunity to receive the sacrament of HER : ALEXANDRIA, JERUSALEM, BEIRUT, BEFORE LANDING UP IN MARSEILLES. AND THAT WAS ONLY full of prayer and preparation, the com- reconciliation. THE START! BUT WHAT EMERGED FROM HER STORY WAS A WOMAN WHOSE CHARACTER BECAME munity of via Brunetti, along with a large Several events were also organized in STRONG AND WHOSE RARE DETERMINATION WAS PUT IN THE SERVICE OF OBEDIENCE AND HUMILITY. delegation of Betharramite religious, par- the cloister: an exhibition that traced the ticipated in the ceremony of the canoniza- history of the Carmelites and of Mariam; The Betharram Congregation has an impor- tion of Sr Mary of Jesus Crucied, in Saint a display of historical documents concer- tant place in Mariam’s letters. In her letter Peter’s Square. The rite, so solemn and so ning the Apostolic Carmel Sisters; a charity of 30th June 1878, writing from Bethlehem meaningful in all its parts (the petition to sale for our missions; dances of Chaldean Carmel to Father Etchecopar she said: “In all the Holy Father to enroll Sr Mary among Christians in Pau; a testimony given by the the holy places where we prayed, I prayed the Saints, the formula of Canonization, Indian Sisters of the Apostolic Carmel resi- for Betharram, for you dear Father, and for the procession with the relics …) had as a ding in the House «Saint-Michel». On May our dear brothers. Everywhere I asked for background the blue of the sky, the white 23, in the Chapel of the former Carmel of the grace that they all become saints.” of the vestments of the concelebrants and Pau, three Betharram Fathers gave a lec- We are amazed to see the links existing the colorful congregation of faithful pre- ture on the newly canonized Saint. between Betharram and St Mariam of Jesus sent in Saint Peter’s square. The day after, all Crucied. Our past history is rich of such the faithful from the Holy Land, gathered in African Republic links. The best informed biographers are the Saint Mary Major Basilica to thank the Bouar►On May 17 - The Eucharistic cele- the Religious of Betharram who are still a Lord for the gift of the holiness of Mariam bration for young people in the Betharra- reference: Fathers Estrate, Buzy and Brunot and Maria Alfonsina, the other Palestinian mite Parish Our Lady of Fatima gave pro- who spent so many years in the Holy Land religious, canonized the day before. minence to two gures very dear to the and who handed on to the congregation a Betharramites: our Founder St Michael - special aection for Mariam. The new ge- the choir has been named after him - and nerations are happy to receive her witness; the «Little Nothing», St Mary of Jesus Cru- a church has been dedicated to her in Bra- Region cied. zil; the community chapel at the formation centre in Adiapodoume built in 1995; the Ivory Coast scholasticate in Mangalore is still full of her France-Spain Adiapodoumé ► The Adiapodoume passage in India. Obviously, the communi- Pau ►On May 23, six days after her cano- Community took part in its own way in ty in Pau has, since 1970, been the watchful nization that had taken place in Rome, Sr the canonization: Eucharistic celebration, guardian of devotion to her, since our con- Mary of Jesus Crucied was celebrated at broadcast lectures to introduce the newly gregation accepted to be responsible for Pau. This celebration is traditionally held canonized saint to the listeners; For May the former Carmel where Mariam spent ne- on the Saturday nearest to the anniversary 17 a special program was prepared: Br. Jo- arly six of the ten years of her life as a Car- of the transverberation of her heart, which seph Ouedraogo SCJ talked about St Mary melite. Having had the grace of celebrating occurred on May 24, 1868 in the Carmel and her family before her joining the Car- Mass in the chapel at Adiapodoume and in of Pau. The day began with the celebra- mel at Pau; Fr Sylvain Dansou SCJ, spoke the Carmel in Bethlehem and to live here in tion of morning prayer in the chapel of again about the relationship between her house in Pau, I am amazed when I reect

12 • Family News nr. 105, 14th June 2015 • 9 on the Gospel message which she sends us. more a disciple of Jesus, Spirit; my generosity and of the Carmels in Bethlehem and Nazareth, Her canonisation in this year of consecrated “humble and obedient” devotion need to be re- take great interest in the future of Betharram, life challenges me to deepen her message. which I long for but viewed in the light of the have contact with the Bishops and the Pope It is an invitation to consecrate myself totally which I  nd di cult to Gospel. Being present at himself despite her poor education, feel for to the Lord and take my eyes o myself as is attain. I also admire her Mariam’s canonisation the persecuted Christians in China and the recommended in the spirituality of Carmel. obedience and familia- in Rome and the cele- famine in India are all proof. It is similar to In order to accomplish this I must put the rity with the Holy Spirit bration of the piercing the story of another Carmelite, St Therese de Lord at the centre of my life, not be satis ed at a time when there of her heart here in Pau l’Enfant-Jesus, a few years later. It is fortunate with assiduity in prayer times, wanting to was little reference to is a pressing call to the that this canonisation has helped us to lend advance in “a heart to heart” with the Lord. the Holy Spirit. I have conversion which is ex- an ear to the su erings from the Middle East Every day I must absorb a bit better the fe- always been impressed pected of me. which during the Mass in Arab expressed its elings of the heart of Jesus which are the by her prayer intentions: What amazes me with hope in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. In reason why we are religious of Betharram. “Lord, save me from all Mariam is her openness Pau, the persecuted Christians from Iraq ex- I admire Mariam’s total con dence in God illusions!” Sometimes to the world; her cloiste- plained their su erings to us with a video and and what progress I have still to make on some “apparent good” red existence didn’t shut during the Mass on 23rd May. this chapter! can be withdrawing me her in on herself. Her he- Saint Mariam of Jesus Cruci ed didn’t seek Humility was the fundamental quality from the Gospel. The art was open to worldwi- canonisation as a reward; she was surely  owing from her trust in God. I know that only thing which can de questions. Set out both surprised and astonished! It is we it is also what is being asked of me in my help me to rediscover for the foundation of a ourselves who need to be reminded to the following of Jesus “meek and humble of he- the way of the disciple is Carmel in India with all reality of the Gospel message. Our congre- art”. But I am bound to admit that there is discernment under the the unknowns of the gation is really happy with this proclamation resistance in becoming this “little nothing”, guidance of the Holy trip, face the foundation from a saint “who really loved our family”. and there is in me a thirst for appreciation (Rule of Life 92). The praise which she be- and recognition. The passage of time helps «Everybody is asleep. And God, who is so full of goodness, so great, stowed on the Betharram religious when in the progress. But where I  nd it di cult so praiseworthy, but we forget him! Nobody thinks about him! speaking to the Patriarch of Jerusalem, chal- is accepting humiliations. Mariam accepted See, nature praises him; the sky, the stars, the trees, the grass, eve- lenges us: “They are not like others; they are humiliations, the refusal of the Sisters of St rything praises him; and man who knows his benefits, who ought full of simplicity and charity” (Letter to Father Joseph of the Apparition in Marseilles, or her Etchecopar 171; 18th November 1877.) exclusion from the Carmel in Mangalore! For to praise him, he sleeps! Come on now, let us awake the universe!» her it was an invitation to become more and St. Mary of Jesus Crucified Laurent Bacho, SCJ

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