Sister Teri O'Brien, directress of our Jeanne Marie Historical Centre in Belley, France, tells us something of her ministry there.

In Coutouve, where Jeanne Marie was born and lived until she was called by the Colin Brothers to Cerdon where she founded the Marist Sisters branch of the Society of Mary, the historical committee furnished the basement of Jeanne-Marie Chavoin’s home to depict the times following the French Revolution. Friends of Danielle Michaudon, present owner, and members of ‘Coutouvre Se Souvient’ (Coutouvre Remembers) want Marist Visitors and pilgrims to fully appreciate the history of the house. Danielle Michaudon and the historical committee welcome visitors with true Marist hospitality!

In the Parish Church in Cerdon, panels have been placed depicting the beginnings of Marist history from Cerdon, the Bugey and beyond. Many visitors world-wide have signed the guest book there. This is the church where Jeanne Marie spent long hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. When the Colin Brothers became anxious about the foundation of the Society of Mary she would invite them to accompany her to spend some time in prayer and they always returned home feeling at peace about their discernment.

Jeanne Marie spent the last years of her life in Jarnosse where she was responsible for having a Convent built. This house was used as a boarding and day school for girls in the area. The sisters worked in the Convent and also participated in the activities of the Parish.

Church in Jarnosse 2 Panels (1 metre 40) for the Church in Jarnosse are being prepared, one with Jeanne-Marie Chavoin and the House of Jarnosse and the second describing the history of the Parish Church dating from the 12th century.This is the original church bell which could be heard for miles around in the time of Jeanne Marie calling the people to celebrate the Eucharist.

Recently Sister Teri was asked to participate in a Colloquium on Religious in the diocese of Belley-Ars and Evangelization. Her presentation was entitled “The Missionary Intuitions of Jeanne-Marie Chavoin”. The article will be published in the review La Nouvelle Société Gorini. In March, she will travel to Ireland where she will share with them on our Marist Charism.

Sister Teri lives in the Historical Centre in Bon Repos and is always delighted to receive visitors. This is a snow view of the avenue, not the best time for a visit!

She together with a Marist Father and some pilgrims has visited all the churches where the early Marist Fathers gave missions. She also spends much of her time organizing the library and the archives. Pilgrims are very welcome to go there for a visit, or to do some research on early Marist history.

If anyone is interested in recent photos of Marist pilgrimage sites, please contact the Jeanne-Marie Chavoin Centre: histcen@aliceadsl.fr

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