As part of their annual retreat in March 2025, Headteachers from FCJ schools in England and Jersey, went on pilgrimage to Paris to learn more about the life of our FCJ foundress Venerable Marie Madeleine d’Houët. The pilgrimage was organised by Sr Brenda fcJ, Education Officer, FCJ Educational Trust. The prayers and reflections over the two days were facilitated by Srs Bríd and Claire fcJ. The photo shows the group in the church of St Dominic next to the reliquary of Marie Madeleine.
As the group journeyed through Paris in the footsteps of Marie Madeleine, they experienced the transforming power of the Spirit and were led to the joy of knowing and being reminded that they were part of an extraordinary enterprise. They were FCJ educators! The pilgrimage had a profound impact on each person, as expressed below. Ms Caroline Braggs FCJ Education Office London
‘I arrived in Paris on the Thursday afternoon after a very busy week in school. My wish for the two days was to have my cup filled with all things FCJ and to have time to focus on what really matters in my capacity as the person responsible for ensuring the mission of the school is fulfilled. Within an hour there was a piece of writing which resonated with me. This was taken from ‘Somewhere’ by RS Thomas, and it was, “the point of travelling is not to arrive, but to return home laded with pollen you shall work up into the honey the mind feeds on.” Two days later my cup was overflowing, and I have shared the honey from my travels with everyone I have come into contact with this week.’ Andrea Gaunt, Headteacher of Upton Hall School FCJ, Wirral
‘As a newly appointed FCJ headteacher, I enjoyed learning more about Marie Madeleine’s journey from motherhood to being the FCJ Foundress. This experience has deepened my understanding of who Marie Madeleine was and has enabled me to bring our FCJ values to life in a way that I could only do after walking in her footsteps. It’s also inspired me to share her story with our students in a more personal way. I’ve already started planning a pilgrimage to Paris for our school next year so that other members of my school community can experience what I did.’ Peter Forsey, Headteacher of Bellerive FCJ Catholic College, Liverpool
‘Walking in the footsteps of our Foundress, Marie Madeleine, on pilgrimage to Paris was a deeply moving and transformative experience. Praying at Marie Madeleine’s final resting place, I felt a profound connection to her life, her faith, and her mission. Tracing her journey allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of her sacrifices, her courage, her unwavering trust in God, and her dedication to education and love. Marie Madeleine herself recognised the power of pilgrimage, saying, “A journey made for the love of God always brings great blessings.” This pilgrimage was indeed a blessing— one that deepened my appreciation for her legacy and strengthened my own faith. I return to school with a renewed energy, ready to continue sharing her vision of love, faith, and service with the children, inspiring them to walk in her footsteps with the same courage and confidence.’ Donna Lenzi, Headteacher of FCJ Primary, Jersey
‘Thank you to the FCJ Sisters for organising the headteachers’ pilgrimage to Paris this spring. It was a most welcome opportunity to discover more about the story of Marie Madeleine and walk in her footsteps. I look forward to being able to bring some of our students to the Lieu de Memoir of Marie Madeleine when the renovation works are complete.
As an FCJ school, it is important to maintain the links between our present and our beginnings so that we never lose touch with the principles upon which the work we do today is based.’ Mark Anthony, Headteacher of Maria Fidelis Catholic School FCJ, London
‘After 17 years of FCJ education, I’ve known much about what Marie Madeleine did – but not so much about who she really was. This retreat brought me to understand her depth of courage, her depth of faith and her determination to do God’s will. There was something deeply sacred about the Basilique Notre-Dame des Victoires, where Marie Madeleine would kneel and pray. The sense of her purpose and mission was very real. Concluding at her place of rest and exploring her travels, her challenges and how she developed our schools was simply inspirational.’ Stephen Byrne, Headteacher of Gumley House School FCJ, London
‘Sharing Marie Madeleine’s experiences and her struggle to find God’s will leading to the foundation of the FCJ Society while in Paris and the journey to her final resting place in St Dominique, has been a gift to share with our Headteachers from the FCJ Schools in England and Jersey. Their place of leadership and influence with young people is critical in our world. Marie Madeleine’s final words, “Good example does much good” is visibly present in their lives and actions. Sr Bríd Liston fcJ Dublin.
Photo (left to right): Sr Bríd fcJ, Stephen Byrne, Ms Donna Lenzi, Srs Joan and Marie Annick fcJ, from the Paris community. Caroline Braggs, Sr Claire, fcJ, Peter Forsey, Reliquary of Marie Madeleine, Mark Anthony, Sr Brenda, fcJ, Andrea Gaunt.
