Closure of Mother Frances’ bicentenary

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“Our Lord has already done a lot for you.” Blessed Frances Schervier

Just as the hen gathers her chicks around her, Mother Frances gathers her daughters from the Congregation of the Sisters of the Poor of Saint Francis and the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in a single family. Together we continuously experience healing the wounds of Christ through poor and suffering humanity. We are aware of and comforted by the expansion of the charism exercised through our different ministries and pastoral commitments.
It is, therefore, with great joy that we celebrated the closure of the bicentennial of her birth (January 4 and 5, 2020) in the Senegalese parish of Marie Immaculée Mère de Dieu des Parcelles Assainies. Opened by a beautiful prayer vigil and enriched by videos, choreographies, songs and odes expressing the charism, we felt the presence of Mother Frances and the hand of God. In fact, we could easily hear the words of a few worshipers:
- That woman was truly a saint.
- We are very impressed by your dynamism and your commitment in the parish.
- I admire your courage to risk your life for the cause of God and the poor.
- God will be your only reward.
- You are a blessing from God to us.
- I appreciate your zest for life; it looks like you have no issues
“I was fascinated by everything I saw and heard; it allowed me to better know the charism of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor and their way of making Christ known through their works in underprivileged areas.” Mrs. Marie Louise Mbenga.
“Healing the wounds of Christ through poor and suffering humanity is, in my opinion, a challenge for all believers, because no one is immune from the need to be healed. I touched Mother Frances’ relic (her rosary) around my neck and, in this way, I initiated devotion to her. I intend to testify what I have lived and learned to love.” Mr. Olivier Mbengue.
Our unity in cultural diversity was remarkable during these exchanges -- we shared the gift of joy. May the Risen One always transform us through His Gospel by welcoming all the expressions of life.