FCJ Companion in Mission Marta belongs to the first online group of Companions in Mission who recently made their commitment on the eve of International CIM Day and feast day of FCJ foundress Venerable Marie Madeleine d’Houët. Marta writes of her experience.
In 2024, having had a tap on the shoulder to consider becoming a Companion in Mission (CiM) and after some time discerning, a new adventure began. Our new online CiM group came together, spread throughout the UK, a member also lives in Romania and I am on and from the beautiful Island of Jersey in the Channel Islands.
Had it not been for technology, I personally would not have been able to say ‘yes’ to the call, due to that stretch of water that separates. However, with the aid of technology, our group had been created. After each online meeting, I always signed off with a feeling of being uplifted, left with lots to think about and ponder on until the next time we met. Our online meetings enabled us to get to know each other, we shared reflections, received input on the life of Marie Madeleine and St. Ignatius, sharing our hopes and our doubts as well as praying together, we travelled the journey that led to our first commitment being made as a CiM on the 20th September 2025.
Fortunate enough to travel to attend our commitment gathering in Somers Town, as I made my way over, I asked myself several times: “What had I let myself in for? Why am I doing this?” but the voice of God was stronger assuring me that of course, it would all be OK. What I hadn’t been prepared for on the day, was the overwhelming experience of being welcomed with so much joy and love by all whom I encountered and met on the day. Here I was – from being part of a small online group to meeting face to face with our FCJ Sisters, my new Companions in Mission, and many other CiMs, as well as receiving so many wonderful messages of congratulations and support from abroad as well as from the UK community, I now realised that I am a part of something so much bigger, a part of a worldwide FCJ family in faith.
Our commitment service was so very meaningful.We are grateful to Sr. Rita for having taken all our desired readings, hymns, poems etc and threading it all together to become such a beautiful, God filled service of commitment. Our time after the service had also been special as we celebrated with companionship, food and drink, all beautifully prepared and presented by our sisters and CiMs as well as having the opportunity of time to talk to many who were present.
This journey would not have been possible without FCJ Sisters Anouska and Rita, and CiMs Anne and Maureen for all they shared and for whom I am indebted for responding to God in the giving of their time. Thank you!
God is so good! Now I commence a new adventure as an FCJ Companion in Mission.
