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.
View of Museum Room 1
View of Museum Room 2
View of Museum Room 3
View of Museum Room 4
View of Museum Room 6
Very beautiful harp belonging to Marie Madeleine, dating from the 18th or perhaps even the 17th century. The wood is decorated with floral and leaf paintings. This harp was re-strung some years ago. We have kept the original strings.
Marie Madeleine’s wedding shawl of silk, completely hand-embroidered, magnificent, a marvel, a museum piece.
A second silk shawl, completely embroidered by hand, of the same era prior to the French Revolution. At the back is a drawing representing the manor at Parassy, 10 km from Bourges, which Marie Madeleine received as a marriage dowry. It was in Parassy that she hid Father Varin at the time of the hundred days of Napoleon.
A drawing done by her brother Claude de Bengy at the military college; thanks to which her property would be protected at Parassy.
A quartered coat of arms of Marie Madeleine: The fiefdom of the two families in Berry was in the dukedom of Le Dauphin, the king’s eldest son. In 1378 Jean de Bonnault received from the Duke of Berry a gift of 130 gold ecus, for services rendered to the throne. The de Bonnault family’s coat of arms are 'in azure with a gold chevron, accompanied at the top with two gold stars and at the bottom with a live dolphin, wearing a gold crown'. The de Bengy family coat of arms dates back to the 15th century, 'in azure with three silver stars placed two and one'. The de Bengy family motto is 'deeds not words'.
A crucifix from the chapel of the Sacred Heart Sisters in Amiens before which Marie Madeleine heard the words 'I thirst' in 1817. At that time she offered herself with her son to do the will of God. The Sacred Heart Sisters joyfully offered us this crucifix.
The crucifix from the chapel of the Sacred Heart Sisters in Amiens before which Marie Madeleine heard the words I thirst in 1817. Also shown are a small notebook and rosary used by Marie Madeleine and a small wooden casket containing some relics.
Various objects: Top shelf: Death announcement of Reverend Mother de Bonnault d’Houet, 5 April 1858 at Paris; whip to discipline herself, composed of metal chains and points; hair-shirt which she wore against her skin as a penance; picture of Blessed Sr. Rosalie Rendu, Daughter of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, who sent her orphans to Gentilly. Bottom shelf: Linen used by Marie Madeleine; Photograph of her room as it was until 1970.
Family portraits: Eugène, Viscount de Bonnault d’Houët, her son, 1805-1875; Louise de Bosquillon d’Aubercourt, Viscountess de Bonnault d’Houët, her daughter-in-law, 1815-1890; Angèle de Bengy, wife of Gabriel Gassot de Champignu, her sister, 1788 – 1861.
'The Imitation of Jesus Christ', a book offered to an FCJ.
'The Imitation of Jesus Christ': On the fly-leaf Marie Madeleine has written: The imitation of Our Lord Jesus Christ must be the life and continual occupation of a faithful companion of Jesus and it is signed: B. D’Houet sup. general.
Various: soft doeskin gaiters which Marie Madeleine wore against the cold on her numerous journeys in horse-drawn carriages; a cloth bonnet finely woven, which she wore under her black widow’s bonnet in the style of Berry; a chipped water-jug which she used in her room; an 'Agnus Dei', a small sculptured alabaster frame, representing a lamb on an altar with the words Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, give us peace; indulgences brought back from Rome (and perhaps given by the Pope).
Picture representing the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Having bought in a bookshop some brochures which to her seemed dangerous for one’s faith, she and her brother Philippe burnt them in the fire-place of their sitting room. The next morning among the ashes in the fire-place this picture was found untouched. Marie Madeleine kept this small old picture preciously all her life and carried it on her journeys as a guarantee of divine protection. (see Life of Mme de Bonnault d’Houët by Abbé Martin, p.57)
Death announcement of Reverend Mother de Bonnault d’Houët, 5 April 1858 at Paris; Sermon given at the time of the burial of Marie Madeleine, April 1858, outlining the main events of her life.
A book of testimonies collected after the death of Marie Madeleine from people who lived with her or who had met her, which have been used for her Cause in Rome.
"We think one of our calls is to bring hope to our world. How? Well, our hope lies in trusting in our loving and gracious God who is generous in gifting us in many wonderful ways." A short reflection on hope from FCJ Retreat & Conference Centre to start the week...This quote from Pope Francis reminded us of the importance of hope. So, this week, we would like to share with you a few words about hope! Hope is so important and especially in the time in which we now live, it is a very necessary virtue to cultivate. So many people are feeling hopeless in the face of Covid, inflation, climate change, homelessness, and political unrest in so many places in our world! So, what is our call as Christians and your call as you live out your everyday life?We think one of our calls is to bring hope to our world! How? Well, our hope lies in trusting in our loving and gracious God who is so generous in gifting us in many wonderful ways. In our Baptism, we were given the gift of hope as the water was poured over us and we embarked on our life-journey as followers of Jesus Christ. This Jesus who rose from the dead! Do we really remember that Jesus’ crucifixion was followed by the Resurrection? We like to say that we are a Resurrection People, and our song is Alleluia! (not our original quote but one we love to recall.)So, may we go forth each day with hope in our hearts and may God enable us to bring hope to the people we meet each day! ... See MoreSee Less
Members of 90 religious orders gathered in Rome for a one-week conference on Safeguarding. This important gathering of religious with responsibility for safeguarding was organized by the Care and Safeguarding Commission of the Unions of Superiors General of women and men congregations (UISG / USG) in Rome.Sr Judith Routier fcJ from the FCJ General Leadership team attended this conference. ... See MoreSee Less
This starts today - online from the FCJ Retreat & Conference Centre in Calgary, Canada. Prayers for all participants and retreat directors. 🙏🏻 ... See MoreSee Less
Sr Hartini, fcJ invited a group of her high school students into a pilgrimage to explore the history of the Catholic faith in Java. ... See MoreSee Less
FCJ Sisters, volunteers and friends celebrated the sixth birthday of Sarasvita FCJ Center for Spirituality and Human Development in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Happy birthday!! ... See MoreSee Less
Join Serra Calgary for a vocations talk with Sr. Michelle, FCJ, followed with the Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 11:00am. Doors open at 10:00am. ... See MoreSee Less
Everyone is welcome at the online monthly evening retreat offered by FCJ Spirituality Centre London.EVENING RETREAT ON ZOOM, THURSDAY 9th NOVEMBER 7.30 - 9.00 pm‘I ARISE TODAY’This evening’s time of reflection is based on beautiful and powerful words attributed to St. Patrick during his ministry in Ireland in the 5th century. Patrick rejoices in the constant presence and protection of our God, who is with us at all times, in all places and in all circumstances.As usual, we will use music, poetry, short talks, images and quiet moments to support us as we reflect and pray. We do not have sharing groups in these evening retreats. If you would like to attend this retreat online, please email: [email protected]The Zoom link will be sent to you on the evening of Wednesday, 8th November. ... See MoreSee Less
Thanks to all Camino Companions volunteers - FCJ Sisters, Companions in Mission and other friends - who have been serving pilgrims in Santiago de Compostela this 2023 season. We are closing the doors today until Easter Season 2024.Mary and Alan were happy to welcome another great group of pilgrims who shared their experiences and listened to one another. An intergenerational and international group representing people from every continent. How we wish our war torn world could learn from the spirit of the Camino! ... See MoreSee Less
It really was a privilege and an honour, on every level.
Thanks again for the opportunity and for such a fulfilling and worthwhile experience - a win win, for all concerned.
See you next season. 🙏
God bless,
Pat x
It was a real privilege and a great experience. Thank you 🙏
How absolutely wonderful to have been taken in by the Camino companions at the end of the Camino and then also to Father Manny
Holy Land Prayer This prayer was prayed by the Bishops of the Holy Land Co-ordination at their annual meeting held in the region in 2017. O God of our ancestors,you gave us the earth to make our homeso that all peoples may live together in harmony.We have allowed our sad divisions to grow,causing discord and fear of one another.... ... See MoreSee Less
Holy Land Prayer This prayer was prayed by the Bishops of the Holy Land Co-ordination at their annual meeting held in the region in 2017. O God of our ancestors,you gave us the earth to make our ho…
Congratulations @BelleriveFCJ for your Live Simply Award! We are so proud... The award, which is sponsored by CAFOD, recognises an organisation’s commitment to sustainability and living in solidarity with our sisters and brothers around the globe. ... See MoreSee Less
Bellerive FCJ Catholic College has been awarded CAFOD's Live Simply Award for their commitment to sustainability and living in solidarity with our sisters and brothers around the globe.
A lovely photo of Sr Ramona fcJ (2nd left) with other members of the UK delegation of young adults to MAGIS and World Youth Day in Lisbon with Jesuits in Britain. Ramona describes the experience of being at both of these wonderful events. ... See MoreSee Less