The political and social climate in France in 1847 was anything but favourable to religious congregations. Despite a decree prohibiting the establishment of further religious communities, the Archbishop of Paris, Monseigneur Affre, who had known Marie Madeleine when he was a priest in Amiens and was her friend and a supporter of the Faithful Companions of Jesus, warmly welcomed the Sisters to his Archdiocese.
It was not a sudden impulse that directed Marie Madeleine to Paris. She had considered the idea for some time. A house in the capital would provide the opportunity to work with the poor, be a pied à terre for herself and her sisters on their frequent journeys, and provide a more convenient administrative centre for the Society. Further, it could become her place of residence when she was not visiting the houses.
It was January 1848 when Marie Madeleine bought the Paris property and political tension was high. The unrest of subsequent months culminated in a revolution that summer. There were violent clashes in the streets, many deaths and much sorrow. In July, Monseigneur Affre lost his life in an heroic attempt to bring peace at the barricades. Marie Madeleine wrote, From time to time, just when the need is greatest, God raises up a protector for us; he then withdraws him, leaving us again without human support. Monseigneur was our one support in Paris.
In the months following the summer Revolution, Marie Madeleine remained in Paris to care for the children in greatest need. She washed, dressed and fed them. To those advising her to spare herself, because of her age and poor health, she gave a characteristic reply: We should work not as ladies to pass the time but as do the poor to earn their living. Having experienced life as a lady she was able to appreciate the difference!
Throughout the political unrest the Sisters worked for the poor of the district. Eventually a school was established, together with an administrative centre and a novitiate. The house became Marie Madeleine’s residence and she lived there between her visits to the other houses in France, as well as to those in Italy (Savoy), Switzerland, Ireland and England.
The Paris house was born amidst great political unrest and uncertainty, and Marie Madeleine always encouraged her sisters to have a special regard for this house. It was here that she died on April 5th 1858.
To this day, the room in which she died is preserved as a place of prayer and pilgrimage. Beside her room is a small museum containing things precious to her memory.
Marie Madeleine’s room in Paris, the place where she died
Travelling from Issoudun to Bourges you normally (though not inevitably) enter the city over Pont d’Auron and it is from this bridge that Notre Dame du Pont, the statue preserved in Marie Madeleine’s room in Paris (and shown at the bottom right), takes its name. Originally it stood in one of the niches in the bridge. Rescued by M de Bengy to prevent desecration, it was later given by him to Mére Legrand around 1827/8 and taken to Châteauroux. It was there that in 1830/1 Mère de Courville experienced it weeping. Since that time its journey has taken it from Châteauroux to Turin, Carouge and finally Paris in 1850.
A tour of the artefacts from the life of Marie Madeleine in our Paris museum
Click on the images to see their captions and take a tour of the museum.
This year FCJs around the world are taking action in response to the second goal of the Laudato Si Platform: “Responding to The Cry of the Poor.” Here in Yogyakarta, amongst various res…
In preparation for Laudato Si Week 19th – 26th May 2024 we aim to gather 1000+ pledges of actions (small or large) that people will take in caring for our common home. Each person will be able to make their pledge online or via a small card which we have produced for our parishes and schools. The initiative is designed around Laudate Deum paragraphs #70 and #71 which assure us of the…... ... See MoreSee Less
In preparation for Laudato Si Week 19th – 26th May 2024 we aim to gather 1000+ pledges of actions (small or large) that people will take in caring for our common home. Each person will be able to m�...
There are moments in our lives when we are faced with a choice and we simply KNOW what we must do. There is a great clarity about what God is asking and we are freely able to respond because regardless of the consequences our path is clear. St Paul's conversion is a good biblical example - in a moment of clarity he was able to understand completely that God was calling him to change direction, and he responded.... ... See MoreSee Less
There are moments in our lives when we are faced with a choice and we simply KNOW what we must do. There is a great clarity about what God is asking and we are freely able to respond because regard…
This Saturday is Earth Hour!Join FCJ Sisters, Companions in Mission, and friends participating in Earth Hour. Switch off your lights and devices and join this huge grassroots movement in giving something back to the earth. ... See MoreSee Less
An online evening retreat this Friday 22 March, organized by our FCJ sisters in London FCJ Spirituality Centre London: "Abiding Joy"MONTHLY EVENING RETREAT FOR MARCH 2024“ABIDING JOY” FRIDAY 22nd MARCH 7.30 – 9.00 pmPope Francis described joy by calling it ‘the air Christians breathe’, a fruit of the Holy Spirit. During the evening, we will gently consider this joy and pray that it will not only be a deep consolation in our own lives but will send us out to our world, to our brothers and sisters in need, wherever that may be.We continue to use music, poetry, short talks, images, and quiet moments to support us as we reflect and pray.This retreat is online. To apply to join the Zoom, please contact [email protected] by the afternoon of March 21st. The link will be sent to you on the evening of March 21st.The image we are grateful to have used is by Madalin Calita from Pixabay. ... See MoreSee Less
Well done!TYs on Hope Foundation TripCongratulations to our 7 TY’s on all their hard work fundraising for The Hope Foundation, and best of luck with their trip next Thursday. TY students travelling are Ellie McCaffrey, Claudia Ryan, Ella Condron, Amy Crowe, Isabelle Daly, and Síona Cunningham from 21st to 27th March.The girls have been busy fundraising all year, hosting events such as bake sales, hot chocolate days and table quizzes as well as selling the Hope Foundation chocolate bars in school.The Hope Foundation is a charity dedicated to promoting the protection of street-dwelling and slum-connected children in Kolkata, some of the most underprivileged in India, as well as their families and communities. The girls will be travelling to Kolkata for one week to visit the projects and experience the valuable work which The Hope Foundation carries out. Safe travels and the school are very proud of your endeavour, charity and work. ... See MoreSee Less
Come and Meet Jesus anew this Easter season: an online Easter Ignatian retreat in daily life organized by our FCJ Retreat & Conference Centre.A Zoom 4 Week Group Retreat meeting Monday evenings from 7 to 8:30pm. highlighting Jesus’ Post-Resurrection appearances. This retreat will provide opportunity to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus. Participants will attend all of the sessions and be able to share the highlights of their prayer time.Zoom meetings on Monday evenings 7-8:30pm April 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, 2024.Register here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/come-and-meet-jesus-anew-tickets-866691015157?aff=oddtdtcreatorFor more information, kindly contact us at: 403.228.4215 or email us at [email protected]... See MoreSee Less
Congratulations Sr Christine fcJ (top right photo) and Neighbours In Poplar for this amazing project which has led to 45,000 meals being delivered to people in need in East London. ... See MoreSee Less
A great photo of some of our Sisters in Indonesia Suster FCJ Indonesia "faithfully and Joyfully presenting Jesus to the world".Dengan Setia dan Gembira Menghadirkan Yesus bagi dunia...Mari menjadi Suster FCJ - Sahabat Setia YesusInformasi Kerasulan Panggilan:Suster Tyas, FCJwa.me/6282144136583#vocation #omk #sahabatkatolik #gerejakatolik #panggilan #hidupmembiara #fcjsisters #fcjindonesia ... See MoreSee Less
A recent Caritas Australia Mission in Action Seminar featured the work of FCJ Sisters and colleagues at the FCJ Learning and Development Center Inc. in the Philippines. A recording of this webinar is now available.Hear the stories about the challenges communities in the Philippines have overcome with the support from Caritas Australia and its partners. FCJ Center staff Rossele and Nina and Sr. Vanessa fcJ shared their programs and how they support neighbours in the urban slums of the Philippines. ... See MoreSee Less
A recent Mission in Action webinar by Caritas Australia featured the work of FCJ Sisters and colleagues at the FCJ Learning and Development Center in the Philippines.
I have spent much of this year so far working with young adults as they make a retreat in daily life. It is so wonderful to see how God works so differently with each person, guiding, loving and challenging them. Introducing the young people to different ways of prayer, and helping them to discern as they open themselves to trust a deeper relationship with God, is such a life-giving ministry.... ... See MoreSee Less
I have spent much of this year so far working with young adults as they make a retreat in daily life. It is so wonderful to see how God works so differently with each person, guiding, loving and ch…
The day was bright on Saturday March 2nd and in Sarasvita FCJ Centre the atmosphere was even brighter. Meita FCJ and a large group of volunteers welcomed a group of children and young people with c…
FCJ Sisters were featured in London newspapers The Guardian and London Evening Standard a few weeks ago as they opened their home to refugees and asylum seekers in need in collaboration with charity Refugees at Home. The pieces included short interviews with some of the FCJ sisters and some great photos. ... See MoreSee Less
FCJ Sisters were featured in London newspapers as they opened their home to refugees and asylum seekers in need together with charity Refugees at Home.
So grateful to you for offering a safe, dry and welcoming home to our guests who need just that.
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