In 1825, Jeanne-Marie Chavoin and her companions arrived in Belley, guided by deep faith and the quiet strength of Mary. From that moment, the Marist Sisters began a journey of humble service, hidden yet powerful, rooted in compassion and simplicity.
Today, we give thanks for 200 years of faithful witness, for lives poured out in love, for missions quietly embraced, and for the enduring legacy of a Marian way of being in the world.
Sr Teri O'Brien writes: "On June 21, members of the Society of Mary (Marists), Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, Missionary Sisters, and lay people involved in Marist schools gathered in Lamartine and Bon Repos to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Marists in Belley at the end of June 1825 at the invitation of Bishop Devie.
Bishop Pascal Roland blessed the table with a festive meal and presided over Mass, surrounded by eight priests of various nationalities. The Marist Brothers led the Mass with beautiful hymns. Present at this beautiful celebration were Ms. Annie Cluzel of the Town Hall (Culture and Heritage), Friends of Belley, several residents of the Bon Repos nursing home, and a group of 12 New Zealanders: the Marist Education Director from New Zealand, three school principals, four young adults in training to work in the schools, and their head teacher. Their presence and their songs in Maori were greatly appreciated. They were warmly welcomed throughout their pilgrimage to the historic sites of the Marist Society."
Brother Faustino Ferrari gave a presentation on the arrival of the fathers at l’Institut Lamartine, Belley, and this was followed by a wonderful celebratory lunch attended by 70 guests including Bishop Pascal Roland and Mme Annie Cluzel from the mayor’s office. The curate of a neighbouring parish of Chazey Bons, Fr. Philippe-Marie Kontzler, prepared an amazing feast of food. Later that afternoon there followed a concelebrated Mass in the Marist chapel in Bon Repos presided by Bishop Pascal and 8 Marist priests.
Sr. Marie-Therese Terra spoke at the beginning of Mass on the history of the Marist Sisters in Belley. Fr. Jean-Marie Bloqueau preached the homily encouraging us to continue to go to the peripheries. Present also was a group of Marist laity, young and younger, who with Fr. Mark Walls were visiting the Marist places and were a great help in the organizing the day. The whole day was a genuinely moving celebration with members of all the Marist branches. Present too were many Marist Brothers who organized the music for the Mass. The celebrations were organized by the indefatigable Sr Teri O' Brien, s.m., and her team.
Congratulations to the Marist Sisters! Their presence continues to bless the Church and the world.
