The Congregation of the Servants of Mary...

A Spiritual Journey

Life is a voyage and we are on the move. Every year, every month, every week, every day and every moment are knit together with one or the other journey. Every journey culminates to a purpose and it is garnished with various emotions either can be of pleasant or unpleasant situation. There are a few journeys that are specific, unforgettable and left us in a state of disclosure of oneself.

Here I am extremely glad to unveil the travelogue that illuminated the sagacity of my life’s journey as a religious, that is my visit to "Notre Dame Du Refuge", the spiritual source of the congregation of Servants of Mary. I call it as a "great" journey because neither it was a long journey that I have ever made nor a chance of exploring a new place. I state it as "great" because it drew me close to Fr. Cestac, the founder of the congregation of Servants of Mary, who renewed the perspectives and ideologies of my existence as his follower. I was overwhelmed by the warm welcome of my sisters in Notre Dame who welcomed me whole heartedly to the expanded family of the Servants of Mary. Each pace I took in the campus made me to reflect about my "bon père" who dedicated his walk of life for God and His mission. My first glance to the glorious image of Mother Mary, Our Lady of Refuge, stilled and infused me in Her love. I could experience the spiritual richness of SM in every visit to Chapel. The tomb of Fr. Cestac was a place which I longed to see. I am sure that Fr. Cestac is alive in the nook and corner of Notre Dame Du Refuge and it is his blood that rushes through the vein of each Servant of Mary and the mission that is initiated by Fr. Cestac. 

The zeal of the young priest of Bayonne to raise the dignity of the life of the people around him inspired me a lot. "The human body shares in the dignity of the image of God: it is a human body precisely because it is animated by a spiritual soul, and it is the whole human person that is intended to become, in the body of Christ , a temple of the Spirit" ( CCC 364). Fr. Cestac was highly convinced that every soul is the image of God and dignity is the right of every soul .This aspect focused the attention of Fr. Cestac to uplift the women and children whom the society alienated, rejected and were exposed to all danger and mishap. "The God of mercy does not forsake the souls that everyone else rejects; their Father who is in heaven brings them back and welcomes them in His love" (Fr. Cestac). This word of Fr. Cestac exalts his thirst for souls and it is explicit in his mission. All these reflections deepened my love towards Fr. Cestac. 

Marian devotion is an unavoidable factor to Fr. Cestac. He centralized his endeavors to Mary and converse with Her as a child to its mother and abandoned himself to her care. Buglose experience stands as an example. The visit to Buglose, the place that changed the entire life of Fr. Cestac helped me to have an inward journey and thus I realized that without Mother Mary the life of a servant of Mary be similar to a fish without water. I understood the importance of Mother Mary in my life and the need to be at the disposal of Her Spirit.

The dedication and commitment of Élise Cestac, Gracieuse Bodin, Felici and other pioneers and their deep faith, commitment, perseverance, hard work, talents, time and energy that they had pooled together ,became the source of unity and growth of SM. In spite of many hardships and worries, joy was never absent from this community, radiant with religious fervor and fraternal love.(Fr. Cestac-Marian Itinerary) I could experience the joy in every sister and I am convinced that joyfulness is the hallmark of every servant of Mary. 

St. Bernard is the power house of Servants of Mary. The solitude and prayerful atmosphere touched me. I believe that the holy life that is lived by all the sisters of S.M is the strength and inspiration to each sister to lead a dedicated life. The life experience with Sr. Angele, the sister from Ivory Coast was a great chance.  Meeting all the sisters in mother house deepened my love and my belongingness to the large family of S.M. Life journey never ends and each journey teaches us the lessons of life. As a young religious, Mary our Mother always helps me to grow with convictions in my life. Fr. Cestac continues to invite and motivate me to love my vocation. He inspires me to commit my entire life for the betterment of the society, being compassionate and revealing the tender love of the Father through my mission.

Sr. Mayie Larregain, 50 years of presence in Ivory Coast 

November 1973... November 2023, 50 years ago I arrived in Ivory Coast!!! 

In 1973, after my perpetual profession, and again for a number of times, I expressed my availability for the mission in Ivory Coast. This time the response of the Superior General was full of hope: "Before the end of my mandate, you will go and try it out." Father Cestac liked to say: "Happy are those who know to wait! And the longer you wait, the more abundant and lasting are the divine blessings”.

On November 27, 2023, we came together for this long period of presence and life in this adopted country, a true gift from the Lord. "You've turned my grief into a dance. Let not my heart be silent, let it celebrate for You, and without end, Lord, my God, I give you thanks!" (Psalm 29)

The welcome was surprising. First, I found a religious community, my Servants of Mary family, and fortunately they were there to teach me the first steps in this new culture that I was gradually discovering. Then there was the meeting with the village community of Toupah and the Christian community... Both of them impressed me, what delicacy for the one who comes from elsewhere, what attention! Life seemed simple and joyful. People I met in casual conversation naturally referred to God: "God is Great", "It is God who knows", "If God wills", "There is God in our lives".

Then it was on to other villages. And there I met the Christian leaders and catechists of the Christian Community and the priest in charge of the large parish. What a commitment in the name of their faith. They had truly met Christ and put themselves at his service. A reminder for me to live my religious consecration with such availability. A moving experience. They are no longer with us but I have known saints.

I was sent to Toupah to work as a midwife at the village health center. I had always had a deep desire to relieve the suffering and to do that I wanted to be a nurse. I was welcomed by Mr. Georges, the orderly. He trained me and I acquired new knowledge. I felt very safe with him. My training in France hadn't prepared me for the job I was going to do. So much so that one day the notables came to call on me.... But it was only after long greetings and casual conversations that they finally told me the real purpose of their visit: "Sister Mayie, you're evacuating too much to hospital". What diplomacy... I was speechless with admiration. Since that day I've tried to get into this culture of patience, diplomacy and mastery of speech, but it's not easy! Have I succeeded? You who see me can tell! Fortunately, Sr Colette was there with Dr Madevat and I sought their advice. They were at the SAPH hospital.

My life at the Health Centre was not a smooth one, and much later I was to find out why. I never lacked help and support. Among others, I owe a big thank you to Father Nicolas Obo, a holy priest. Some people used to say "Sister Mayie is tough", and the sisters would translate that as "mean". I suffered from that. Later on, I understood that this word meant "She's rigorous" and that's how I recognized myself.

I really enjoyed my life in the village of Toupah, and today I'd like to thank you for welcoming me into your home. We have shared both joys and sorrows. Thank you for your friendship, understanding and support. This is also the moment to apologies, to ask forgiveness of those I may have hurt by my behavior or my clumsy words. Abidjan is not far away, but you won't see me in Toupah. But you can rest assured that I have not forgotten you. You are in my heart, and even more so in my prayers. This is true for all the villages I have known and visited. "BIA, BIA, BIA sin sin."

Let's talk about today... I've been in Abidjan since 2004. When we arrived in Dokui in 2005, our host parish was Ste Monique. We found a lot of human warmth there. Every month we would get together with the Presbyteral team, the nuns from the parish and a few lay people for a time of reflection on parish life. This sharing of ideas was enriching and the bonds of fraternity deepened between us. It was already Synodality.

At present I'm at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, at the bus stop Dokui. A place for new encounters. Didn't Pope Francis say: "Life is not a time which passes by, it is a time of encounter". I give thanks for the life of our local Church. You used to say "God never sleeps", and the words of an Advent hymn confirm that God is at work in this age. Yes, He is at work in this local Church, which is flourishing, with many priests, religious men and women, and parishes that are multiplying. The Spirit is at work. God is calling us today as he did yesterday, and he wants us to be the men and women he needs for his mission. What confidence, and what responsibility! At present, it's easy to count religious expatriates at diocesan gatherings. The Catholic Church is very present in Ivory Coast, in the midst of the Muslim community and other Evangelical Churches.

"You are the Master of everything. By your hand everything grows and strengthens. We are here to give you thanks."

Life in the capital is stressful and tiring. I feel particularly sorry for the workers who have to get up very early and fight traffic jams to get to work on time. And the high cost of living is perhaps more keenly felt in the city. Society, here as elsewhere, is changing.... I hope that cultural values will not disappear. In this context, what is becoming of the Servants of Mary religious family? It is with great joy that I live with Servants of Mary from Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Benin. For the needs of the mission, some Indian Servants of Mary have come to join us and we form a single family. Our rule of life reminds us that:

"In a world of violence and selfishness, we want to bear witness to the power of the Gospel; our communities try to say that, despite our differences, fraternity is possible under the action of the Spirit." (Consti. n°35)

What do the Servants of Mary do in the Ivory Coast? They are at the service of life: welcoming, educating, consoling, caring, being close to others to awaken the desire to live. Father Cestac, our Founder, wanted us to give priority to the service of women and young girls. As he used to say: "A Christian mother! What a great and holy thing, what a power for good!". Don't be afraid to follow Christ. He is the true source of happiness. Don't be deceived by the false ideas of the world.

I would like to thank the Parish Priest for accepting this celebration on this day. I thank all those who have come to join me in this thanksgiving. I thank the choir and all those who helped to make this event a success. In this Christmas season, let's not forget to say thank you to the Virgin Mary... She has just given us the Emmanuel....God with us!

"In the night of men, He is the Light." (jn 1,5) "Great joy, man is no longer alone, Love comes to enlighten him and share his life." (1jn 4,5 )

This is another good reason to give thanks and remain joyful. Thanks to everyone and please pray for me.

Toupah, November 27, 2023

"It is the need for the other that brings us together." 

My parents had a business in the village of Orègue. They left when I was very young. I left Orègue at the age of 15. The family decided to put me in Anglet, in Saint-Anne, which is now Stella Maris, because the person in charge of the community was a good friend of my mother. I stayed in Anglet, adapting myself, sometimes with difficulty, in this Community in which I had no privileges, except for this knowledge from my mother. Without my parents, I spent a lot of time there, including holidays. I felt good there. There was already an agricultural education which later became a general education of the Education Nationale. I was trained in tailoring, which I didn't like... I had a great admiration for this community and for some of the people who lived there. They communicated to me, not by their words but by their lives, their attachment to Jesus Christ and the teaching they offered to the young people who were there.

At the age of 20, I joined the Servants of Mary, after having thought about it, but especially after having seen these people living in this Community. I said to myself "why not?

After my novitiate, I went for two and a half years to a management school in the Paris region which prepared me for teaching. And I came back to Saint-Anne... I could have gone to many other places, but my superior at the time chose to put me back at Saint-Anne as a teacher, in 1956. And I stayed there all my professional life. I was teaching a domestic course at the time. Then it progressed to a BEP in health which prepared young people for the nursing exams.

I have lived a life of giving, passing on and being attached to these young people. Above all, I naturally passed on to them the idea that, if it is possible, you must always go further. Life is not easy, prepare yourself. That was a little bit what I sowed. I helped some of them to go further than they thought they could go. That was the motive for my presence in this place. 

And then I animated the chaplaincy, which was very different. I was the same person, but I manifested myself in a different way with these same young people that I could have in class.

At the time, the Basque Country was still living at a low speed in terms of training people. We had difficulty finding competent people to teach mathematics and literature. We had to look for people from outside, because in the Basque Country there weren't many young people who had already been to university. And then things gradually changed. And we ended up with teachers of mathematics, biology, everything, from the country. I saw this progression with great interest in my country. 

I was headmistress of Saint Anne's for about fifteen years, until 1982. Then we decided to recruit a laywoman in 1985 and I remained a teacher until I retired in 1998. This institution was generalized and became the Stella Maris group, with a laywoman at the head of the establishment; it was so different this relation to secularism.

There must be 1200 students today, from kindergarten to higher education. It is a magnificent progression, I think. Our young people no longer need to go to Pau or Bordeaux to do a BTS. It can be done locally. The tutelage has remained the Congregation of the Servants of Mary of which I am a member. We are still in contact with many of the former students.

On 7 December 2000, I arrived here, at the Community of Bidart, at the request of my Superior General. I had never been in a parish. I had given myself a year to see if I could find my place... I have been here for 22 years. 

 I'm a faithful parishioner, but I'm not involved in the parish activities because I was already involved elsewhere. I am involved in the ATD Fourth World movement. I chose to get involved there because Father Joseph Wrejinsky, the founder of the movement, retraced the whole profound movement of our founder, Father Cestac. 

When I retired, I didn't want to remain idle and I was looking for something close to the spirit of our Congregation. This spirit common to both, a century apart, is the same view of poverty and of the people who suffer morally, physically and materially from it. In the Servants of Mary, I have never found the idea of helping others by giving. But, as far as I am concerned, I have accompanied the poor, the destitute, by listening to them, by welcoming them to help them move forward. This is the deep spirit of the ATD Fourth World movement. We don't necessarily help others by giving, but by listening to them and making them react. We don't help them by giving, but by receiving what they have to give us, essentially a word. This movement invites people to come and speak, to give their word. To help the other, but not to replace them.

Our headquarters are in Anglet alongside the Restos du Coeur, but we're a bit on the opposite side. It's a joint action. We opened the street library, which is the main activity of the movement. We welcome children around books, to read to them and give them the opportunity to touch and love books. When parents come for food, we function to welcome children and read them stories. We have great books.

The second action of the movement is the popular university. We invite people, adults to come and prepare the popular university. We give them a theme; there are three universities in the year. The families express themselves on the theme and if some of them want to, they come to Bordeaux to meet people who have reflected on the same theme during the popular university: "health", "work", "rights". Many people miss out on their rights, for example, because they are unaware of them. About fifty people meet per region. It is interesting. They feel that they are not alone in their difficulties. We provide answers to their questions.

We are the Allies. That is, those who are in alliance with the families. 

So, we also try to live with them, as close as possible. Some of them, and this is the third mission of the movement, commit themselves to live like them, for 4, 5, 10 years, in similar living conditions and as close as possible to the families, with a slightly reduced salary. They live in total service of these families; they do with them and not for them. It is to live in one's flesh a slice of life alongside the most deprived.

ATD quart-monde: Aide à Toute Détresse, it is a non-confessional movement. The door is open to anyone who wants to take care of his brother.

Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming to make that commitment. Sometimes the families don't care about what we tell them. That is a burden, a responsibility. But I do it, in the name of my faith, they are my brothers in Jesus Christ. Love of one's neighbor. This is the pure line of the Gospel.

May 2023

Mary in my life

"Behold the Handmaid of the Lord", thus was born the "yes" of a liberated woman, named Mary.

Mary's yes is Mary in my life, the one who shows me the way.

Committed to living obedience, chastity and poverty, I join Mary. The simple lifestyle of welcoming, listening, discreet presence, silence, joy, service, courage are the daily attitudes of the yes. The deployment of these human values, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, is enriched by trust in God and thanksgiving. 

Mary, model of humanity, path of faith and hope, 

Teach me to be faithful.

May 2023

Save the heritage of the Servants of Mary... 

During the year, Nora teaches at the ECORE school in Barcelona (conservation and restoration of furniture, art and heritage), a course that takes place over 4 years (paintings, murals, metal, painting techniques), and is punctuated by workshop sessions, as at Notre Dame du Refuge in Anglet, where she comes to work every summer with her team of interns.

"I met Sr. Graciela in 2008, when she was taking my classes in Barcelona. Like her, I am from Argentina, but I have been living in Catalonia for over 40 years. A real friendly bond was established between us and, at her invitation, I came to spend my summer vacations with my family at the Monastery of Saint Bernard in Anglet. This is how I discovered the Congregation of the Servants of Mary and, during my stays, a kind of spiritual relationship was created with the Sisters, but also with this unusual place; and, together, we decided to organize the conservation of the sculptures of the sites of Notre Dame du Refuge and the Monastery of Saint Bernard.

Thus, in the summer of 2018, the first on-site workshop was organized. Since then, every summer, I come to spend a few days in Anglet with a team of trainees, to work on the restoration of sculptures and other objects to be preserved. With Sr. Graciela, we decide on the works to be saved, then we work together in a dedicated room in the heart of the Gardens of Notre Dame du Refuge.

We are housed on site, which allows us to share a little of the life of the Servants of Mary, to live at their pace, especially during meals, served on French time, which, for us, used to living on Spanish time, is always a little strange! Especially dinner, served at 7pm, when the light is beautiful and the temperature milder! 

Each intervention is a new adventure, a real time of sharing and a true enchantment, in this energetic site so favorable to creation. I am very happy to benefit from such a privilege and to be able, each summer, to live such a human and spiritual experience, and to participate in the safeguarding of the heritage of the Servants of Mary." (Anglet, August 2022)

  See pictures

Mary, my beloved Mother 

"The Spirit of Home is Mother. Blessed the child who feels the charm of her love. Blessed too is the one who experiences, the joy of her presence and her tender love."

We are all blessed with the constant presence of Mary, our beloved mother. As I am greatly delighted to share my personal experience of Mary, I pray that this profound sharing will lead you all, to strengthen your faith and devotion to her.

As I recall the past, I see Mary my mother’s hand at work in everything I lived and did. As a little child, my parents made me grow in great devotion to her as they too were her great devotees. This same faith led me to be a member of a pious organization of the children named after ‘Mary’ our mother. It also helped me to choose the congregation named after’ Mother’, though I had eight of my first cousins in various congregations. It is nothing but the plan of God who chooses and calls. I still cherish the memories of the past wherein I was being prepared to become her servant which means ‘to be like her’, through my vocation I have received.

From my childhood until now, I see my beloved mother, who ever walks with me without leaving my hand, particularly in moments of turmoil and chaos. She embraces me with an unbreakable bond. She has sustained me in the vocation which is a call from her son Jesus to continue His mission. I feel greatly grateful to see mother Mary’s providential care, in my very personal life even in the small events of my daily life being saved and protected from many sorts of accidents and ailments.

Let me share with you one such a situation where in I could hear her inner voice, "I will never abandon you". In the year 2005 I was suffering from a terminal disease, I was taken to many hospitals for my recovery, with traumatic pain as I was reaching the hospital, where in I was only on drip for a month, I could see a picture of Mother Mary, in front of which I burst out in tears, uttering the words, "Mary my beloved mother did you also abandon me?". I could see her consoling presence through an inner voice, "I will never leave you my child”. Mother Mary helped me not to complain about anything in my unbearable pain and suffering. I was never alarmed or anxious even when the people around me commended, "the sister who is at her death bed…". I never consider it as my merit, but my beloved mother’s ever living presence. 

Despite my infidelity and ungratefulness, Mary the beacon of life, ceaselessly stands as a burning torch in the dark moments of my life. She still loves me as her beloved daughter. May I sink in the stillness and serenity of her soothing embrace.

Dear my beloved Mother, may you constantly walk with me as it was, ever before especially in times of doubts and fright. May I ever bow down before your unfailing Love.

May 2023

"We share the joys and hopes, the anxieties and the trials of the men of our time... Everything that touches Man has an echo in our hearts." (rules for living)  

I. My story with the Bernardines' Convent began in 2007 (15 years already), when I came for a few days retreat. I was touched by the peace that I felt in this troubled period of my life. After analysis, several ingredients made this possible. 

First of all, I would place the welcome and the accompaniment of the Sisters of the Community. I remember that in the refectory, the kindly Servant of Mary who served the meal on those days, brought me a packet of tissues. I can still see the kind looks and the discreet smiles that accompanied me throughout my stay. The prayers of the Community in the straw chapel, in particular, and the Ignatian advice of the Sr (Mother Superior at the time) gave me confidence and peace. Secondly, I would put the silence and the solitude that allowed me to refocus, to hear that inner voice that speaks to the heart, to reconnect with myself and to understand that I was not alone on the path of life.  

After this unprecedented experience, many things changed and, in 2009, I came to live closer to the Sisters and the convent, because I felt called and somehow "grateful" for the love received and shared here. I was called to come and pray daily, to be nourished by the Word, to be recharged with divine energy through the Eucharist and to recharge my batteries in a natural, preserved and rural environment. I believe that I have drawn a lot throughout these years, and I am infinitely grateful to you. 

Quite naturally, when I felt better, I wanted to give back, and that is how I proposed to do Home and Accompaniment, at first once a week, then twice. Then, I had the opportunity to deepen the life of Father Cestac, within the Cestac group, to help in the writing of the Charter in 2017, to reread and share the Letters to Elise, to co-animate the workshop of the Faces of Mary... The highlights at Saint Bernard are the reception, twice a week, and the cemetery.

II. My mission here (as I feel it and practice it) is:

    1) to make Father Cestac, his work and the Congregation he founded better known to people who pass by. I feel called to speak to them about his great devotion to Mary, his spirit of openness, of welcoming the poorest. I explain to them that this place is a place of silence, of prayer, of renewal where one can always be welcomed for a short spiritual stop or for a retreat of a few days. I also introduce NDR when I see that they are really interested.

    2) to rekindling the flame (giving a taste for life). By listening attentively, because sometimes people come to confide in me, to seek comfort, advice, prayer. And, through sharing proposals open to a wider public (supported by Sr. Annie Houssin and Sr. Arantza): lenten spiritual stop at the cemetery "Doing and undoing", since 2019; meditative walks in 2020, resumed with Sr. Arantza in spring 2022; workshops Letters to Elise and Faces of Mary, mentioned for the record since they take place in NDR. 

III. My experience: I am at Mary's school.

She teaches me 

• fidelity, adherence to the commitment I have made
• patience (her time is not ours) 
• abandonment (her will and not mine) 
• humility (renunciation, self-effacement, acceptance)
• welcome (of the other in his difference)

I receive graces 

• the joy of sharing with the Sisters who visit me, with the people who pass by, with the chaplain who is always kind and encouraging,
• the grace of silence, of community and personal prayer,
• the grace of feeling welcomed, supported, encouraged and expected 

I live sometimes in silence, sometimes in sharing, according to the will of "the Mistress of the place"; sometimes I welcome, sometimes I am welcomed.

IV. Conclusion 

Remember, what drew me here in 2007 was the comfort, the listening and the welcome that I received from you. This is what we have to offer today, as Father Cestac did in his time. I was looking for comfort, today I am comforting in my turn. I am grateful to you for being able to ensure, in the confidence that you give me, the welcome of all those who pass by. The welcome of visitors, of those who discover by chance, at the bend of their vegetable purchases, the welcome of those who come to pray, to rest, to recharge their batteries, sometimes of pilgrims of Saint James, of those who participate in the repair of the cemetery, in the days of recollection proposed, in the walk in the forest. This place cannot be understood without welcoming people in a precarious moral or physical situation, those who are searching, for it is indeed the spirit of Father Cestac to welcome in love. It is a place of reconstruction, of healing of hearts, a place of peace, of meeting and of silence. 

Anglet, 20/08/2022

Today's society needs consecrated people... 

I felt the call when I watched a film showing nuns taking care of orphans. In my childish mind, I thought that I had to be a nun to work in the world of children

I was drawn to the Congregation of the Servants of Mary after reading the documents (the comic strip and a vicar goes down the street) I was struck by Father Cestac's attitude towards the different situations that presented to him. His desire to restore women in society

The event that marked me the most was the first vows... I was entering into a new history with God and I said that I have a challenge: never to back down but to go all the way

I bear witness to God through the small and simple things I do, making myself close to everyone, sharing the daily life where I am, giving back the taste for life like Father Cestac. In my mission with the little ones, I make myself small

The message to young people: today's society needs consecrated people, saying yes to the Lord does not mean that I have failed in the business world! There is no need to hesitate, it is a favor that God does us by calling us to his service to witness to his love.

December 2021

Do and walk and never be discouraged. Take Mary with you... 

The question of God has always been an important question for me. I loved catechism and the call of the Lord became clear to me around the age of 10-12.

In France, in the Pas de Calais, in Harnes, there was a community of five Sisters Servants of Mary. What attracted me to them was their closeness to the modest families of the workers and their creativity with the children through the sponsorship, the summer camps... their concern for the growth of people through their joy of living.

There have been many moments of grace in my life. I will give three of them.

The first, at the age of 40, during a session on discernment, God spoke to me not at the level of understanding but at the level of the heart. This changed my way of praying and loving others.

The second is accompanying adults in the catechumenate.

The third, at the age of 64, my departure on mission for the Ivory Coast: the opening and my integration into a new culture.

Celebrating my 50 years of religious life, the Word of God that dwells in me: "How can I repay the Lord for all the good he has done me?"

A message for each of us and in every circumstance, God says to you: "Do not fear, I am with you" and with Father Cestac, the Founder of our congregation: "Do and walk and never be discouraged. Take Mary with you." 

December 2021

Give back the taste of their lives by answering the call of Christ... 

I felt the call of the Lord during an evangelization in the parish of Saint Charles Borrome, my home parish, that day, the father present asked that the young people who heard the call of the Lord go forward to receive the blessing, I went forward and everything began, of course I grew up in a Christian family, but that day was a special day.

What attracted me to the congregation of the Sisters Servants of Mary, I would say that they work in discretion, especially in their mission with great efficiency. That is what attracted me.

 I have several significant events in my religious life, but I remember the meeting with the older sisters of the congregation, the visit to the source of the congregation. During my stay in France for the session in Spain.

I live the mission that has been entrusted to us, looking at the Virgin Mary our mother as a model, and try to instill in the young girls the values of a good woman for the future by trying to put the gospel into practice every day.

What I can say to the young people today, is that, life with Christ is joy and peace, also the field of the Lord is vast and there is work for all. As our good father lived by giving back the taste of life, I invite them to come and give back the taste of their lives by answering the call of Christ, in order to give in their turn, the taste of life to their brother and sister.

December 2021

My vocation, the mystery of God... 

I was born in a small village in the Basque Country in a Christian family of seven children. Our mother wanted us to continue our studies with the Servants of Mary after the local school. It was there that the first call to religious life arrived, through the Superior of the Community. I took part in the spiritual meetings, I loved the Word of God in order to live it, to transmit it. How did she perceive it?

From 1952 to 1956 I was a student at the Aspirat du Refuge, studying at Stella Maris and Saint Anne. I did the Postulancy and Novitiate from 1956 to 1958. 

I was called to go to the Pas de Calais, to a parish... I found myself in a beautiful community where I knew no one. The youngest of the sisters was at the age of my mother!

I lived there for 13 years...Catechesis, YCWB, community animation in the workplace, factory work. These commitments matured me.

After two years of training and work in the social sector in Paris, 13 years in Béarn, social work, ACO, animation of communities in a working-class environment.

All this committed life in the world could only be lived in me through fidelity to the Prayer every morning... The community prayer services...the Eucharist...Regular rereading of life with a religious...

One day, the message of Saint John passed through me, pushed me around, transformed me (1 John 4:7-16).

A rereading of this new call to leave everything for Him, only for Him.... Five years of journeying through the Solitude of Saint Bernard on weekends and during weeks. It was a reading and rereading of the work of the Blessed Father. Why there? 

Why living this radicality with the Bernardines? Because they are the same Marian religious family that I loved.

35 years of my presence in this place where God has not finished His work in me...here...

"For the love of your People...of this land...your glory dwells with us" and Mary remains our Star.

Anglet, January 2021

My grace is sufficient for you! 

I was called to commit myself more fully to encountering suffering people, not to leave the place of the mission received, to respond to the calls God speaks to us through encounters, through events. 

He calls us to know how to remain attentive to his presence, at the heart of my life. I often say this prayer: "O you who are in my heart, let me hear your voice”.

 The praying of the psalms; the word of God read every day helps me to be enlightened by Christ. Christ is our light. It is a reminder of the commitment to deepen my faith in the light of the believers of yesterday and today; by meditating on his Word, reading the testimonies of the saints. I marveled at the life of the Church Fathers in the early centuries of the Church...                                                                                                                                               

Following Blessed Louis-Edouard Cestac (founder of the congregation), and many sisters, I am called to remain faithful and to be in communion in "service" with all the Servants of Mary in France and in the world (India, Argentina, Uruguay, Ivory Coast, Spain).

I see GOD close to the sick, to their families, in the caregivers... He is there in the ups and downs as a call to find his faithfulness in the face of the unknown. My vocation makes me see life being created, even where today illness seems to prevent or stop it. In the face of the frustrations and revolts that COVID generates, there is the strength of solidarity and responsibility, the call of the Spirit. "Wherever love and charity are, GOD is present! ".

On September 9, 2023, Sr Nicole celebrated her jubilee in Bouchain, 50 years of religious life marked by encounters to go forward more and more... 

Hello, my name is Blanca Arregui y I am Spanish. 

I met the Servants of Mary of Anglet through the Sisters of Our Lady of Compassion, with whom I work and collaborate, because the two congregations have decided to share in Alliance a part of their way of communion.

Last year, I came for the first time to Our Lady of Refuge, to work with the MNA (non-accompanied minors) of Foyer Cestac, that keeps the name of the Father founder of the congregation, Fr. Louis Edouard Cestac, of whom the tomb is found in the site.

I was impressed to see how, around the religious community of the church and of the contemplative community of Bernardines, so many projects and different works coexist in this vast space.

Social and educative works such as the four homes for children and adolescents, the apartments for one parent mothers or fathers and their babies, the residence for old people in which live the religious and the lay people, home for differently abled adults or again a school and a college… Other ecology aspects such as the "Les Jardins du Refuge", for the cultivation and sail of agricultural products and of animal raring where work the handicapped persons… And of course, different places of prayer, of meeting and get together. Till the famous cemetery with tombs of sand on which the crosses are made of sea shells…

In this place, too close to the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by trees and greenery, in spite of so many activities, all is peace and serenity; a feeling that is impossible not to feel when we come there.

What touches me more, it is to think that 180 years ago, in this same place, lived the first young girls saved from prostitution, welcomed by Fr. Cestac and his sister Elise, origin of the congregation of Servants of Mary. And how, since then it is always a place where the persons who are in need, find assistance with dignity. A true refuge of love and tenderness.

Anglet, August 2019.

My experience, this week of translator and interpretress among the religious women who have nothing to see with those of my childhood, all "in civil dress" living in small communities of 2, 3, or 5, not more than this, in Argentina, Ivory Coast, India, Spain and in France, gathered together here in the Mother House of their founder, it is too strong. These are the Servants of Mary, a kind of G5…

All are "social workers" in their country, they had to choose, in the light of the Gospel, the orientations for the 5 years to come. They also work in the world and for the world. They repair family disasters, they help the women in distress, they educate the children, adolescents, they nurse the sick. They pray.

In an attitude of simplicity and humility that contrast strongly with the unfolding of the forces invested in our region during this week at the occasion of the meeting of the political leaders of this world, they question the values that motivate our actions.

Anglet, August 26, 2019

Gabriela Portale (coordinator of Escuela de Vida du college "La Milagrosa" at Llavallol) & Guillermo Somaschini (legal representative & pastoral coordinator of college "Nuestra Señora de Monte Grande" at Buenos Aires), in Argentina

Gabriela: Good morning! How are you? We are Gabriela and Guillermo, the lay people who do pastoral work of 2 colleges of Servants of Mary in Argentina. La Milagrosa and NSMG.

Guillermo: The general Chapter of the Congregation starts in few hours; it is a time of great responsibility that we are very happy and impatient to participate in it.

Gabriela: Since our arrival here, we feel the hospitality of the sisters without ceasing, attentive to all our needs… They helped us to discover their various activities and we could observe the permanent presence of their deep social commitment.

Guillermo: It is amazing to see the joy and happiness with which they do their activities, accompaniment of women with psychiatric problems, giving duties to handicapped persons, shelter and access to education for the immigrants without shelter, among others…

Gabriela: The Bernardines who toil and pray in silence are equally remarkable.

Guillermo: Everywhere, whether it is in the activities or near the persons met, one feels the spirit and the charism of Fr. Cestac.

Gabriela: This year the Sisters asked us to put together the pastoral activities of the two colleges. So, we started to meet regularly in order to know each other better.

Guillermo: Following these meetings, we stepped into a new stage, during the first semester. We then proposed to gather youth groups of both the colleges so that they meet together.

Gabriela: The youth groups are formed of students who wish to participate freely in these meetings.

Guillermo: As you can see in the video, we pray, we share our reflexions on the theme of service, we play and we take our lunch together… And we have sent an invitation for the future meetings and we pre-plan to realize a common mission for the year ending.

Gabriela: We hope to continue to weave links with these youth and as Fr. Cestac said, we try to "give to others the taste to live".

The two: Bye see you…

Notre Dame du Refuge, Anglet, August 3, 2019

A most valuable encounter! 

It was during the Beatification of Father Cestac, on 31st May 2015, that I met the Servants of Mary; what a beautiful meeting!

At this time, I was the assistant of the General Vicar of the Diocese, Father Lionel Landart and, as professional of event management, I had the mission to organize this extraordinary ceremony in the cathedral of Bayonne. A difficult but exciting challenge, crowned by the happiness and smiling faces of the Sisters, who came from all over the world.

Since then, we haven't left each other! Neighbour of Notre Dame du Refuge, I assist them in their communication actions and the organization of their events, but also share with them, exceptional friendly parentheses!

Anglet, August 15, 2019.