The celebrations of the 350th anniversary of the death of St. Louise de Marillac in Paris were wonderful moments of Vincentian celebration. There were over 3,000 people in the Cathedral of Notre Dame, 80 or more concelebrants, a number of confreres from Italy (by far the largest delegation of the Vincentian Family outside of France), one confrere each from Spain, Germany and Mexico, three from Belgium (a Polish confrere and two from Congo), three priests from the USA (a confrere from the East, New England and a diocesan priest from Philadelphia). Of course there were the Visitors and many confreres from the provinces of Paris and Toulouse and a large number of Dauthers of Charity.
Presentación inicial de Sor Evelyne FRANC
Mensaje del Superior General, leido al final de la Eucaristía
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Also present was the Superior General and Paris Provincial of the Religious of St. Vincent de Paul along with other members of their community. Many members of the branches of the Family were present: the international presidents and some council members of AIC, SSVP, JMV, the sub-director of AMM, and members of the Strasbourg Federation of the Sisters of Charity. Sister Evelyne Franc, Mother General of the Daughters Charity welcomed the group with a warm introduction. The Cardinal was gracious and nicely tied St. Louise and St. Vincent into his homily on reconciliation. Fr. Gerard Du read the Superior General’s message at the end of Mass. On the morning of March 15, we had a good gathering at the Chapel of the Apparitions. Fr. Gerard Du, assistant General, was the main celebrant and homilist and a Daughter who works in prison ministry gave her testimony.
There were two confreres from Croatia too. As a matter a fact, this is the first time Famvin Croatia participated on Vincentian events (about 30 persons: CM, Sisters of Miraculous Medal, Strasbourg sisters, SSVP and AMM).