"I would like to invite you to receive my words as the groping of a woman who has committed herself to never losing sight of this earth, neither the shore of distress nor that of deliverance, to honor with the same attention the unspeakable suffering of men and the glittering wonder of life." These are the words of Christiane Singer at the beginning of her book Où cours tu, ne vois-tu pas que le ciel est en toi?, which were offered to me today by Noémie.
I offer them to you because they are so topical! We are overwhelmed by the two fires that took place on Monday, August 26, then on Monday, September 2, on our Angevin site, the Tiers-lieu de l'Esvière. They affect our missionary tool for which teams have been working for seven years. This center has also been a bearer of resilience for 1500 years in which we wish to be part. Thank God, no injuries.
In this last week of August, despite the obstacles (no more accommodation, no more catering, teams much less available), our first summer university was held in this disaster area, satisfying about fifty “missionary disciples” of Fondacio. The Lord poured out his graces through the intellectual, spiritual and fraternal lights received. Together, we had “chosen life” (Dt 30:19).
In the following, it is the people who carry the life of Fondacio in the regions who have gathered to equip themselves for their specific mission. More showers of grace. Message received this Tuesday, September 5: “We have truly “entered into the joy of our Lord” (Mt 25:23)! Title of this meeting… Contagious joy, joy that frees us, that awakens our children’s hearts.”
A first “ Focus on my year ” day took place in Versailles, with Xavier and Alice who dared to get involved in animation. A day to put your year under the gaze of God and to identify, for yourself, the underlying momentum that will guide it and the axes that you prioritize. Participants and animators always leave with this grace of deep anchoring, joy and clarity!
In the regions, the teams are starting to gather to start the year, the projects and the local fraternal life. The teams of the different sessions are enthusiastic about the content they are preparing for you.
"The glittering wonder of life!" rubs shoulders with suffering. That of the victims of the fires at Esvière and those with whom we are companions in our bonds, by the people who suffer in their flesh, in their soul, who feel they are facing mountains.
Together, supported by the simple, offering and healing presence of Christ, we stand there, in these uncertainties, these misunderstandings, these impatiences. In silence and in fraternity, we let him restore our strength, give us “every day’s bread”.
You will notice in the photo the new team of co-managers of Fondacio in France who are getting started this fall. Myself, Marie Levier, permanent, is continuing after her first two years. Benoit Perier, permanent, is continuing after his first two years, despite six months off due to burnout. He is back thanks to the reinforcements found in his absence and to the in-depth work that we have carried out on the organization. Thierry Lechat, permanent, head of Fondacio in Grenoble, has taken responsibility for the life of Fondacio in the regions. Jean-Marc Hémadou, a recently arrived volunteer, a pharmacist by trade, said "yes" to taking over the administrative and financial management of Fondacio France. Together, we are starting a new stage for everyone, and in the service of the common good for Fondacio in France, assured that this Christian presence, attentive, has its place in an uncertain world!
Enjoy reading this back-to-school newsletter!
And, of course, we'll see you at the Festival of the Living at the end of May 2025!
Marie Levier, for the co-managed team of Fondacio in France, with the communications department.
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