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RECOLLECTION Guide

PRAYING WITH OUR SPIRITUAL LEADERS

                                  RECOLLECTION 2024

The Synod on Synodality has provided an opportunity for the Church to reflect upon various themes, one of which is “Participation, governance, and authority.” In the context of this theme, one of the key questions posed to working groups is, “How can we renew the service of authority and the exercise of responsibility in a missionary synodal Church?” This profound inquiry sets the tone for a deeper exploration of the dynamic interplay between authority, governance, and participation within the Church.

In resonance with this theme, the recollection module for this year is entitled “Praying with our Spiritual Leaders.” Throughout the rich tapestry of our Congregation’s history, we have been blessed by spiritual leaders who have served as beacons of inspiration, persuasion, motivation, and have, in their own unique ways, “lifted us up.” This recollection material endeavors to honor the indelible mark left by significant figures who have played an important role in shaping our Congregation. It contains insightful excerpts from the lives of our Founder, our first Sisters, and General Superiors, individuals who have not only safeguarded our charism but have also guided us with their words and exemplary lives all throughout our synodal journey as Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres.

Through prayer, reflection, and faith sharing, we hope that this monthly recollection guide will help us remember and honor our spiritual leaders and foster a sense of gratitude for their valuable contributions. By revisiting their ideals and virtues, we aim to ensure that their memory lives on through our actions and daily lives, setting an enduring example for future generations to follow.

We express our deep gratitude to the Formation Team of the Philippine Province for their significant contribution in this recollection guide.

                                                                                                                                                                           SPC GENERALATE

                                                                                                                                                                            01 November 2023

April

THEME: The Simplicity of Mother Barbe FOUCAULT

GRACE TO BEG

Lord Jesus, I beg for the grace of simplicity of heart so that I may love You with singlehearted devotion.

 Scripture Text:

Mk 10:14-15

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”

Mother Barbe Foucault

Fr. de Truchis, speaking of Barbe Foucault gave a beautiful testimony of her conduct: “Sister Barbe Foucault of Fresnay l’Evêque … was received in Levesville and she was the second to be recruited at the beginning by Father Chauvet. She governed for several years the hospital of Mantes-la-Jolie having given much satisfaction to the administrators….

She was the first whom the Sisters selected by vote to govern them. She took up the charge with great wisdom and firmness for 9 years… She died at the end of the year 1726–consumed by solicitude, work and suffering after a long illness during which she showed much patience and resignation to the will of God.”

POINTS FOR REFLECTION AND SHARING:

  1. Do a Lectio Divina of the scripture text. What word or words struck you?
  2. Mother Barbe Foucault, a humble peasant girl “lived her fidelity to Christ in simplicity and the humility of her hidden life.” (VC, 24) How are you invited to emulate her life?
  3. End your prayer with thanksgiving.

PRACTICE:

Visit a home for abandoned children, elderly or homeless people.