The 2009 Session-Picpus 2009 opened officially on 4th July after dinner.
In the opening session, we were welcomed by Jeanne Cadiou, ss.cc. (Sector leader of France-Quebec) and André Lerenard (Provincial of France). Jeanne stressed the importance of feeling at home: we are in a family house; we have a family spirit. André reminded us that in Picpus we are at the heart of our common history.
Bernard Couronne ss.cc., director of the Picpus Centre also welcomed us. He noted that the participants in this “Session-Picpus” represented 20 countries and five continents with ages ranging from 28 to 78. The average age is 49.5. His hope is that our time here will give us a positive experience of community and spirituality and a sense of being pilgrims with the whole People of God. In light of the canonisation of Damien, each day would be marked by a quote from our blessed brother.
Later on we gathered around the Picpus well to celebrate the opening prayer for ‘Session-Picpus’. In this prayer we welcomed the presence of the Risen Jesus who brought us here. Within each of us is the desire to replenish our lives and proclaim the gospel in the style of Pierre Coudrin and Henriette Aymer de la Chevalerie.
07/04/2009