An Unlikely Encounter

Left to Right: Collette, Br. Jean-Pierre, Br. Allan, and myself

At the end of each Marist Youth Encounter Christ Retreat, the pendant with what we call the "Marist Cross" is presented to the participants. During our day at the Hermitage, I met someone I was definitely not expecting to. Brother Jean-Pierre Destombes of France walks up to me and asks "Where did you get that cross?" I told him about Encounters in the US and he replies "I drew the cross many years ago, but have never seen it on a pendant like that!"

That moment was pretty incredible. Here I was meeting the person who created a symbol that had so much meaning to me and many others. What made the meeting even better was that I could sense the joy in Br. Jean-Pierre during our conversations. He's got a great sense of humor... for example "So when do I get my royalties from you? 10 Euros!"

I knew that I had an extra Encounter cross in my luggage someplace (I normally do) and gave it to him the following day at dinner. He thanked me and wore it everyday for the remainder of the trip! The genuine gratefulness in him blessed me. Much was unexpected during this pilgrimage, especially that encounter.

Day 4 (Two Days Later)

Day 4 is a couple days late, I will admit! Jet lag will do that to you. There is more to read than see.

After breakfast, we were given two options. To do a service project on the property, or spend the morning in reflection. I chose to spend some time in the different prayer rooms and enjoy quiet time in Champagnat's room as well. It was a big help in processing all that was happening. As you all know, a lot had been seen and experienced in a few days!

Each prayer room has a wall adorned with symbolic art. This particular room captured my attention and inspired me.

This bridge, previously submerged by the river, was likely the site where Marcellin first spoke to Jean-Marie Granjon about his plans to start the institute. His first recruit!

This is where Marcellin saw the steeple of the church in Lavalla. The hike up from L'Hermitage is NO JOKE. It was not only far, but steep and a bit dangerous. Still an incredible experience.

This is the table built by Marcellin at the home in Lavalla. It was truly amazing to sit at it, touch it, and enjoy mass around this table.

The early Brothers produced nails for sale, which sustained them. Here is an example! They were always industrious, and remain hard workers to this very day.

Breakfast anyone?

A view from the home at Lavalla.

The Gier... on the way back home.

Day 4 was simple yet filled with meaning. The quiet morning at the Hermitage was preparation for the long and difficult hike to Lavalla. Every step on the way was a reminder of the perseverance of our Marist ancestors who sought to make Jesus known and loved in their communities... regardless of the conditions.

There is much to do at home... and now that we're all home, it is time to begin. More to come!

Mile 0

In my hometown there is a road that begins at the center of town with a sign: "Mile 0".  When I first saw this sign as a child, I thought it strange--I didn't understand its purpose. My mother laughed at my confusion and explained that it indicates the start of a road.  For some reason this image has always stuck with me.  Mile 0.
As I have gotten older, I have encountered my fair share of Mile 0's--starts of new roads in my life.  I have found myself on some amazing adventures, in places I never imagined I'd be, with people I who have truly changed my life.  Each of these new roads start at the same situation: me putting my own intentions aside, and simply saying "Yes" to what God has shown to be His path for me.  I used to put up much more of a fight, and found myself on some darker, more difficult paths, but always ended up back to where He intended me to be.  I have learned to pay more attention to that still, soft voice indicating a new path--and to the blatant road signs signaling me to take notice.

All that being said, this is how I found myself at L'Hermitage--yet another step on my journey as a Marist--following in the footsteps of Champagnat at HIS Mile 0. If you had asked me even this morning why exactly I came on this trip, I wouldn't have been able to tell you.  All I knew was that God had placed signs in my life that all pointed to taking this trip--and I listened.  But, this afternoon, sitting around Champagnat's table at the house in La Valla, listening to Brother Pat talk about our call to serve through the education of the young--especially those most in need--I was reminded of what drew me to the Marist philosophy behind education, and into my role at Marist Bayonne. It was that spiritual component I had been missing in the public education setting that set me free to join my passion for counseling adolescents and my call as a Christian to make Jesus known and loved.  

A lot of changes are happening at Marist Bayonne this year, and I had started to lose sight of what it was that drew me there in the first place.  Watching each of the Brothers on this trip--teaching, serving, sharing their knowledge--has truly reminded me of why it is that I can call myself Marist.  The qualities and values we share draw us together as a family, and pull us forward down the road Marcellin started on all those years ago.

At our evening prayer, we opened with a quote from Gathered Around the Same Table:
                       Like all vocations, the Marist life emerges from a process of discovery: we
                       have been enchanted by Marcellin's Christian journey and that of the community of                                        those who live his charism, and we understand that God sends us to be part of this family.

This quote fully summarized God's intention for me on this trip--that I be reminded that I have been called by Him to be a part of this family.  That He is using me for His will through counseling--my unique gift.  It was the sign indicating that I am still going the right direction, and to stay on this path.

I challenge you to consider what path God might have you on at this time, and to take a quiet moment to reflect on some of the signs in your life that got you where you are today.  Are you on the right path? Or is God starting you on a new path?

A Reflection.

As we have a bit of down time, I've been reflecting on my stay at L'Hermitage thus far.  It has truly been an amazing, chance of a lifetime experience. From the moment we've been here, it's felt like home.  Although it may not always be the easiest to understand each other, the staff here, along with the Marist Brothers and Lay People have been nothing but welcoming, considerate, and accommodating to us.  Last night, Timmy Hagan had said something along the lines of him realizing just how much bigger Marist is than you think.  Being at L'Hermitage you really grasp that concept. Marist is so much bigger than me or you or The United States.  It's a community that expands Globally and, I'm sure, impacts everyone it touches. Marist is a community of love, and no matter how far away from home I am, that love never fails to be present.

Having the opportunity to be here and experience the places that Marcellin Champagnat did has been wonderful.  Being able to see the locations, such as his childhood home, the memorare in the snow, and the dying boy has given me a new perspective of the whole "Marist Story." It's amazing to follow in Marcellin's footsteps and understand just how this all started and the reason for it all.  Marist has become a big part of my life and seeing all of these places has only made me happier to be a part of such a great community.

My 1st Encounter at L'Hermitage

"Remember that you are brothers, and that Mary is your common Mother. Bear with one another and do not forget that it is the practice of charity that will make of your religious life a life of sweetness. Love your vocation, persevere in it; it is the means that God has chosen for your salvation."

 ~ St. Marcellin Champagnat, A Heart that Knew No Bounds (97)

According to Br. Sean Sammon, these are part of Saint Marcellin Champagnat's final words to his brothers, on the eve of his death on June 6th, 1840. Prior to reading this blog, if you could read the quote, and sit with it for a few seconds. The part that I will reflect on the most, is the idea of "loving" your vocation, and persevering in it. What is your vocation? What does it mean to "love" your vocation?

Before arriving at L'Hermitage I should note that I have been to something similar (at least for me in my own spiritual journey) back in 2011, to the hermitage of Thomas Merton in Louisville, Kentucky which survives on the property of the Abbey of Gethsemane, a Trappist Monastery. So mentally, I was prepared to have a similar encounter at L'Hermitage here in France. What I wasn't prepared for, was what I experienced on my first day exploring the property, in one of the places that was central to Champagnat's life and mission as the founder of the first community of the Little Brothers of Mary.

When we arrived at L'Hermitage we were warmly greeted by the entire international staff here, composed of both Marist brothers, and Marist lay people. After we received our room assignments, some of us changed and we began exploring before our official tour began. Luis Ramos, Brother Dominick Pujia and I decided to start the process early, and began our own little exploration of the original part to L'Hermitage. Inside the actual "house" if you will, there are two parts. The first half is the original building that Champagnat himself, with some of the early brothers built, that has recently (within the last few years) been renovated. The second half of the house is the renovated side, with updated housing accomodations, with Wifi, airconditioning, and all modern things that you wouldn't expect at a hermitage! (Or at least, I didn't!) So, at the end of our private tour, Brother Dominick took Luis and I into the heart of where Champagnat did most of his work, reflection and counseling - his bedroom. 

Located at the bottom floor if the original building, walking into his room is like a time warp. Many of the original nails in the wooden floor are still in tact, furnished with his original desk, chair and most importantly - his bed. This particular room is where Champagnat dwelled, and operated from for 15 years, until his final moment. But what I'm about to write next, goes beyond my bare-boned description in this blog.

When Luis and I first walked in, Brother Dom was giving us all the history surrounding this particular room and both of us - blanked out. We didn't hear Brother Dom speaking anymore, because we were consumed by the energy that smacks you in the face, from the moment you open the door. For me, as old as the room was, it felt alive. It felt as if Champagnat was alive and well, and although I couldn't see him - I knew he was there in spirit. Luis and I exchanged glances, and for a solid 10 minutes, we were speechless - and it might have been the longest 10 minutes of my life!

When you first entered Champagnat's room, there is a window that overlooks the entire property or "courtyard" of L'Hermitage, as well as the Gier river. Something about the view struck me, and I went up to the window and opened it. Looking up the hillside, and imagining what Champagnat himself saw everyday, I heard Brother Dom then begin to say, "Oh! Father Champagnat used to do that everyday! That was his way of calling out to the brothers. He would open the window and call out to them - especially if he saw one sleeping on the job. He would tell the other brothers to grab him a pillow!" and then Brother Dom started to laugh. For me in that moment, it wasn't the story that grabbed me, but the fact that I had naturally done something that Champagnat himself did everyday of his life. Between the glance that Luis and I shared, and my window experience, my connection with Saint Marcellin Champagnat came into view. It was alive, and it was happening.

My whole life I knew that I wanted to be a teacher, because naturally I wanted to work with children. I believe that there is a spirit amongst young people that keeps us all alive - almost like igniting a flame within you that never seems to burn out. At least, that's what my students do for me. But my way of becoming a Marist educator has been more of a road of synchronicity, and less of a "planned" occurence. With that being said, there was a moment for me when I first met some of the brothers at a conference called, Sharing Our Call, back in 2010. Brother Rich Van Houten was giving a presentation on, "what it means to be a Marist educator," and the mission of Saint Marcellin Champagnat spoke to me more than ever. Mainly because, loving young people, especially those who needed it most - was something I felt compelled to do all my life, not just since I've become part of the Marist mission. 

The fact that in his final moments, Champagnat instructed his brothers to remember their Marial connection, and to remember to "love their vocation" is something that brings joy into my life. Even though I am not a religious, and wholly consider myself a Marist lay person, working to incorporate Champagnat's vision into all aspects of my life, both personally and professionally, resounded in me in this moment in his room more than ever. My life, has truly been enriched, or "sweetened" to use Champagnat's words, because I am conscious of the mission that binds us all together - even back to the roots of Champagnat's earliest days; and even in his final moments. 

I don't blog often because I find that sometimes, writing for me is not the best way to process my thoughts. But if you're reading this blog, there is one thing that I would like for you to think about in your own reflection as mine comes to an end. Where in your life do you find your "sweetness"? What is it about your vocation, or your everyday activities that brings you the most joy? If you were Champagnat today, what would you see out of your window, and what would you call out to your community?

Whatever your answers are - run with them. Dedicate yourself to the things that enrich your life and bring you joy, like Champagnat did. Saint Marcellin Champagnat was truly a man of his times - and created a movement. He was a revolutionary, a visionary, a "game changer," if you will - not because he was hellbent on drastic change, but because he followed the flame in his heart; and for those of you who could not be with us on this pilgrimage - I hope you know that wherever you are in the world, Champagnat's flame is alive and well and lives within you!

Blessings from L'Hermitage - from my heart that knows no bounds, to yours. Valerie <3

Day 3!

Does time move more quickly in France? Maybe it does in Champagnat land. Day three!

Our day began in Marlhes This is not the original church where St. Marcellin was baptized, but in it is the baptismal font that was used for his baptism.

This is the baptismal font that was used for St. Marcellin as a child.

St. John Francis Regis... a source of great inspiration for St. Marcellin. Marcellin's mother took him on a pilgrimage to this saint's shrine in La Louvesc to encourage Marcellin to pursue his vocation.

We then walked from the church to Le Rosey, where Marcellin lived for the first 15 years of his life.

This church was built in honor of Marcellin when he was made Blessed Marcellin in the 1950s.

The inside of the Champagnat home.

This is the window of Marcellin's room. It is incredible to look out it, knowing that the founder spent time in reflection looking out the same window. He would return home a few times and stay in this room after he had moved out to pursue his vocation.

The site where the Montagne experience took place. A visitation of the ill Jean-Baptiste Montagne, knowing nothing of the love of Christ or the Gospel, would change his life. When Jean-Baptiste passed, Marcellin knew he wanted to begin the Institute.

This is the Donat home. Mr. Donat, a local farmer took in Marcellin and Br. Stanislaus when they got lost in a massive blizzard. This is the site of the Memorare in the Snow.

This hill behind the Donat home is where Marcellin and Stanislaus were stuck without direction. Imagine these hills and mountains covered with snow! It truly was a miracle that saved them.

More to come!

From the Founder's Room

In St. Marcellin's room, there's a kneeler near his bed. It looks pretty ordinary, with a storage space inside. What I learned during a tour of the house is that Marcellin has a chess board drawn inside it! The door comes off and can be placed on a table. Pretty neat!

During work, school, service, and ministry... we need breaks. Sometimes we run marathons of our schedule day in and day out without rest. Think of yourself for a moment: "Am I processing any of this?" Without the moments in our day to stop and reflect, we can lose sight of the importance of our call, our work, and our lives.

The chessboard in the kneeler is a perfect example of time for oneself. What is your time for yourself?

What do you know about your work? About your ministry? About yourself? With all these considered, what does that mean in relation to others? Taking time to simply BE can help different people in different ways. Whether that time is of prayer, quiet, walking, running, singing, writing, or any other action... let that time BE.

Love

"Ubi caritas et amor ubi caritas deus ibi est"

A chant familiar to so many of us - where there is love and charity, God is there. Today was filled with so many moments that are filled with emotion. Our trip to Taize showed us love and charity, showed us God with this Chant we've said so many times. Love was seen with the many young people filled with passion and singing voices. Charity was seen with the brothers who work so hard to give this experience to others. And for me which was such a highlite were the children from all ages who were there with their parents. They had such a desire and so much joy, it brought tears to my eyes when this French boy I was making silly faces at came to me at the end of mass and hugged me. In a world where it sometimes feels so hard to feel loved - Taize gives you that love.

Day 2 In Review (Wow That Rhymed!)

Time is moving along here in Southern France! Our day was packed with visits to a few very important local sites. A lot of history and spirituality was shared with our group today. Also a lot of napping on the bus to and from each spot! Enjoy a few pictures from Day 2!

Our day began with mass at Taize. Songbooks with chants in Latin (translated in all languages) were used to follow along with the liturgy. While our group spent only a few hours there, this mass was the end point of a weeklong community experience for 3,500 pilgrims. Most were young adults, and as many as 6,000 can be found passing through on a given week.

Our group spent a half hour in a Q&A session with a volunteer from Taize. There are various projects that occur during the week. Prayer is held three times a day at the community. The cost per day to stay at Taize is extremely low, and donations are not accepted by the Brothers there. They create pottery, art, and write books that are sold at a store on the property.

Taize grew from being situated within the chapel (background above) to what it is today. Here, Br. Dan gives us the history of the original chapel and shows our group the burial site of the founder, Br. Roger.

The resting place of Br. Roger, founder of Taize.

More history as we visited the Cluny Abbey, a 10-12th century Benedictine monastery in Cluny, France.

It used to be the largest church building in the world before it was ransacked during the troublesome period of the French Revolution. Much of it was destroyed.

Long halls and grand archways are normal in what is left of this amazing structure. We learned that the strict order of monastic life brought stability to this region, when other stability did not exist.

A view outside from the second level of a chapel building.

Our next site was Ars where the shrine of St. John Vianney is located.  

This is the resting place of St. John Vianney. His face is covered with a mask of wax. He is remembered for his strong influence in the region, which is still felt today.

A Peek Into Day 1

1. Encounter: We're meeting the community at L'Hermitage and getting to know them. Br. Alan has been giving us a tour for most of today. We're getting acquainted not only with each other, but our surroundings!

Br. Alan (right) along with our Brothers from the US

2. Learning: These pick marks display all the work that was done by the early Brothers. They cut into the mountainside to build this first community. The details of our heritage are telling!

3. In The Steps of Champagnat & the Brothers: Champagnat's room is pictured above. Touring L'Hermitage is incredible because you literally walk the steps of the first community. It is an incredible feeling. It also reminds us what is unique about that community, and invites us to think about how we are unique today!

4. Sharing: The most important thing happening here is the sharing. Sharing of knowledge, space, prayer, and of experience (past and present). This is the meaning of community.

There is more to come! Stay Tuned!

Home

We've arrived home at Notre Dame de L’Hermitage! Our roots as Marists. More to come!

I'd Rather Be

"We are a thousand miles from comfort, we have traveled land and sea.  But as long as you are with me, there's no place I'd rather be."

These lyrics are from the song Rather Be which randomly came on my Spotify on my flight to France.  And the song has been stuck in my head since I've been here. There were many feelings before getting on the flight,  "what can I Expect?",  "is the money worth It?" and "is this how I want to spend 10 days of my summer?" But there's a sense of belonging and peace that has come over me since we started our journey.  We all come with our own baggage and our own struggles, sacrifices that we have made.  But each of us on this journey are exactly where we are supposed to be. This trip parallels with faith sometimes we don't know what God has in store for us but we just have to trust Him,  and take the leap. Now, I don't know what the final destination is but I'm excited to soak in every inch of this journey.

"We staked out on a mission to find our inner peace. Make it ever lasting so nothings incomplete. It's easy being with you sacred simplicity, as long as we're together there's no place I'd  rather be."

-by Opal Vadhan

Off to the Hermitage

The group is on its way down to the Hermitage!

Starting Up... Breaking Bread

Our group met up at Notre Dame de Fourviere yesterday evening. From there we proceeded to dinner in Vieux Lyon.

Some of us are acquainted and some are meeting for the first time... building new community!

Fourviere

It is amazing to actually see what I have heard about for so long. The birthplace of the Marist movement in France... Fourviere!

Landed in Lyon!

On Our Way!

Phil Sitarksi and I are on our way to Frankfurt then Lyon! The pilgrimage begins!

There's lots of unknowns when you travel abroad. While we have an understanding of the Gospel & the Marist mission, that which is unknown can be found through prayerful exploration and reflection!