The 14 and 15 May were declared “Open Days” at the Spirituality Centre of the Solitude. On those days many friends and acquaintances of the Sisters assembled.
“La Solitude”  The 14 and 15 May were declared “Open Days” at the Spirituality Centre of the Solitude. On those days many friends and acquaintances of the Sisters assembled. You will be able to have a good idea of what the Centre looks like from the poster announcing the event and from the photos of the house.  Click =>  PhotoOn the 4 June we had the blessing in Martillac of the Centre “La Solitude”. On that occasion many people directly involved with the refurbishment of the Centre attended, together with Ecclesial, diocesan dignitaries, members of the five vocations of the Holy Family, friends and acquaintances. This slide show gives you an overview of this very special day. More information will be available in the FLASH.   Click =>  Photo Click =>  Flash in PDF

On the 29 June, we celebrate with the Church the feast of St Peter and as a Family, we remember is a special way, Pierre Bienvenu Noailles.
29 June …a dream realised　On the 29 June, we celebrate with the Church the feast of St Peter and as a Family, we remember is a special way, Pierre Bienvenu Noailles. Our Family has always celebrated this day as a time to meet, reflect and rejoice together: St Peter reminds us of our Founder. Throughout history this date has been an opportunity for us to strengthen what unites us: our charism, the gift of communion, a treasure that is so relevant for our timesThis year we are celebrating the 150 anniversary of the death of Pierre Bienvenu Noailles. We see this year as an opportunity to come together, to remember, to “choose life” and offer to today’s world this great gift that has been gifted to us. By means of this web page, we communicate once more our joy of being a Family: a family that includes the whole cosmos and the whole of humanity and a family whose members journey through this life “without separating ourselves from those who live under the common law…as we accompany others and share with them all the trials and difficulties of the journey”. We note with great joy how the news of our Founder’s holiness is spreading. He was a man who was open to all the vocations within the Church and he was ready to respond to all needs. Today 29 June, we celebrate, we welcome once again the gift received for the good of humanity and we hope that the day will soon come when the Church will present to the world this charism for the good of all by proclaiming blessed our Founder, Pierre Bienvenu Noailles, whose heroic virtues have already been confirmed.

Today, we live in a world of chaos. Whatever we listen to or read through the media, is by and large about violence, killings and all types of atrocities caused to humanity and nature. Greed, power-over, control, suppression and oppression seem to be the rule of the day! Hope seems a far dream.
Trinity SundayToday, we live in a world of chaos. Whatever we listen to or read through the media, is by and large about violence, killings and all types of atrocities caused to humanity and nature. Greed, power-over, control, suppression and oppression seem to be the rule of the day! Hope seems a far dream.In the midst of all this reality, we celebrate the feast of the Trinity – of a Trio, a group, a ‘community’ who is LOVE-COMMUNION.Jesus, when we encounter him in the gospels, opens us to a whole new dimension of who his God is. “The Spirit of God is upon me and has anointed me to bring the good news to the poor….” (Lk.4,18). “I speak of what I have seen with my Father…….. for I proceeded and came forth from God” (Jn.8,38 and 42). “All things have been delivered to me by my Father and no one knows the Son except the Father……” (Mt. 11,27). “Look at the lilies of the field and the birds of the air…….. but my Father feeds them all” (Mt.6, 26.28) “May they be one even as we are one” (Jn. 17,11). Jesus always speaks of God in terms of a profound, intimate relationship. God is relational!If God, as we believe and experience is the source of all life, then the earth, the whole universe which is a place of abundance of life in its immense and varied forms, is the self-expression of God in LOVE. Isn’t this what the new sciences disclose as the new universe story – a 13.75 billion year history, with its millions of different species? Isn’t this the God who delights in creatures in all their diversity and specificity – the God in all and all in God? Isn’t this new universe story – which sees the universe as ever expanding; where every creature receives its existence from the other in a process of being self-gift; where inter-relatedness, inter-dependence is the very essence of all life – the ongoing STORY of the ever Unfolding, all Inclusive Love of God/Energy? Then, could it not be said that the nature of the universe and how it functions in terms of its three basic principals – subjectivity, diversity and communion – are an embodiment of the Trinitarian life?To quote from our document on Vowed Life for mission: “we believe in a God who is beyond our grasp yet mysteriously present; a God who is COMMUNION, Trinity, Family. We believe in a God who is LOVE: affirming, expressing and incarnating that love fully in Jesus and ongoing in all of creation” ( Doc. 2.6). “Our Holy Family Charisma that welcomes the entire universe with its multiplicity of relationships constantly generating life; calls us into a dynamism of relating that helps us towards a new understanding of ‘being Family’ (Doc. 3.2) – the big family of the “sacred community of earth whose source is our Trinitarian God who is LOVE-COMMUNION” (Corporate Commitment 2008, pg 4).This indeed was the dream of our Founder – a great tree with flowers and fruits of all seasons; birds of every color and country; each species having its own specific song yet in profound harmony – specificity, diversity, leading to communion. This indeed is God’s own dream!A sure call of this feast then is, to recognize our roots, almost a returning to the ‘womb’ where we received life and continue to receive its nurturance. How do I relate to trees, flowers, birds, animals, rivers, mountains, sun and stars? Do I see the face of God; hear God’s song of love in them all? Do I feel part of, one with all that exists and so responsible for every choice I make in relations to them? It is also a call to recognize that which blocks and separates us from one another; coming to consciousness of who we truly are as inter-related, inter-dependent beings, embracing the process of dying for new birthing, self-giving for abundance of life for all!

His response to God’s call was also a gift to humanity that was impoverished and thirsting for lasting values in the midst of suffering and conflict at a time of transition and transformation.
12 JUNE – OUR LADY OF ALL GRACES  1816, St. Sulpice, Paris.  A young man, filled with enthusiasm gives his life to God.  His response to God’s call was also a gift to humanity that was impoverished and thirsting for lasting values in the midst of suffering and conflict at a time of transition and transformation.  In the garden of the seminary at St. Sulpice there was an image of the Virgin – Our Lady of All Graces and there was also a chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Loreto.  This place inspired Pierre Bienvenu Noailles to found a Family that would be open to all vocations in the Church and that would respond to the urgent needs of the world at each moment.   The years passed, the dream took root and grew.  The foundation was blessed by Jesus on 3 February 1822 in a visible way in the Eucharist. Close to Bordeaux, there is an oasis of peace: The Solitude, Martillac.  From the very first years this place has been and continues to be, a vital centre from which flows a spirituality that is transformed into service.   And in the Solitude there is an island, an oasis of prayer and rest …with a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of All Graces, a step on the interior path that leads to God Alone.   On 2 October, Monsignor Donnet, Archbishop of Bordeaux, Monsignor Montblanc, Archbishop of Tours, numerous priests and dignitaries went on foot as pilgrims to the island.  And in 1844, Monsignor Donnet, who was always greatly interested in the Family of Pierre Bienvenu Noailles, went once more as a pilgrim to the island of our Lady of All Graces.  He made this pilgrimage on 12 June – a date that from the earliest years evoked sentiments of gratitude to Jesus, who with Mary and Joseph, offers us the inestimable gift of the Holy Family.   Responding to a request expressed in many ways and in line with our early tradition, a petition was presented to the Vatican (Congregation of Divine Worship).  And on 3 February 2006, we received an indult giving us permission to celebrate the feast of our Lady of All Graces as the special protector of our Family.  The feast was to be celebrated on 12 June with its own liturgical texts.  Today, united as a Family, we pray together, meditating on the day’s Gospel text – John 2, 1-11 and we pray with the words of our Founder: “… Mary, repeat the miracle at the marriage feast of Cana and change our hearts into hearts filled with love…”   

Africa has more or less ¾ of the tropical regions of the world. Because of its vegetation, it is an important green ocean, which is to say: the continent consists of forests, woodlands, savannah grasslands and steppes. The tropical forest of Central Africa is the second largest forest complex in the world after the Amazon and is also a major hotspot of biodiversity.
THE RAINFOREST OF CENTRAL AFRICA  PRESENTATION Africa has more or less ¾ of the tropical regions of the world. Because of its vegetation, it is an important green ocean, which is to say: the continent consists of forests, woodlands, savannah grasslands and steppes. The tropical forest of Central Africa is the second largest forest complex in the world after the Amazon and is also a major hotspot of biodiversity. This forest is wet; it is one of the most beautiful natural wonders. It has an area of ​​1,725,000 square km, spread around the following countries: • Cameroon; • Gabon; • Equatorial Guinea; • Democratic Republic of Congo (R.D.C.); • Central African Republic; • Republic of Congo (Brazzaville); Two-thirds of this forest is found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The rainforest is home to some African tribes, the most famous being: the Pygmies, the Aka, the Baka and the Twa. Overall, these groups have from 130,000 to 170,000 members. These people are smaller in size than the Bantu. Their small stature allows them to move more easily into the forest. They live by hunting, fishing and gathering: the women are gatherers, using baskets on their backs and the men are great hunters. They treat their ailments with medicinal herbs and are able to protect themselves, their animals and the ecosystems of the rainforest. These groups are generally nomadic, moving into new places in the forest several times a year. Their nomadic lifestyle is less damaging to the rainforest because it allows the group to move without over-exploiting the forest and its resources. Unfortunately, they do not know what the big companies have in store for them. In exchange for timber worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, logging companies (foreign) provide communities with gifts such as bags of salt and crates of beer, cigarettes, items worth a  hundred dollars, and a promise to build them schools and hospitals. These promises are rarely kept, and it has been reported that intimidation tactics are used against those who try to protest. The Central African forest has a rich biodiversity. It has no fewer than 11 000 plant species, over 400 species of mammals, over 1000 species of birds, nearly 400 reptile species and nearly 200 species of amphibians. Some species of trees are several hundred years old. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, (according to the permanent service inventory and forest management (SPIAF)) there are 708 tree species identified, grouped into three categories:  Class 1: species exported as logs;  Class 2: species used locally and also exports of logs;  Class 3: unexploited species. It is an irreplaceable biodiversity and also a major asset for the country and the planet in the fight against climate change. THREATS TO THE AFRICAN FORESTEveryone knows the important role played by the rainforest in regulating climate. Not only does it protect against the elements but also contributes to the survival of the population. Its existence has always contributed, in its own way, to the ecological balance of the planet. Indeed, in recent decades, tropical forests are increasingly threatened. In central Africa, illegal logging and felling of trees is rife: some rare trees are exported worldwide to the benefit of industries in developed countries. Deforestation due to overexploitation of the forest occurs; several locations are cultivated in the same season for business reasons and for consumption. Trade in agricultural products and game meat has increased beyond sustainable levels in recent years to meet the growing demand of village populations that are expanding. The intensive use of charcoal and sticks (for building houses) depletes the forest. In some places where the forest has been cut it can no longer maintain the soil and often causes erosion. This deforestation is also the leading cause of emissions of greenhouse gases globally.  RESULT All this gives rise to ecological, social and economic challenges: global warming and the disruption of the season, brutal civil war, many tribal conflicts, the race for control of natural resources which have already cost the lives of three and a half million people . Many species are disappearing. Hunters must walk farther and farther in search of porcupines, monkeys and birds used in the local cuisine. Fish is scarce. Even the plump caterpillars of the forest, the main source of protein, are disappearing. ACTION TAKEN To address these threats, the Pygmies and the Bantu of the second forest in the world are becoming aware of such destruction and are mapping their natural heritage. They hope to prevent companies from plundering their resources and warming the planet a little more.  To this end, the population is made aware of efforts for re-afforestation. Over 160 villages in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with support from local activists and financial support from international NGOs such as the Rainforest Foundation, have embarked on a programme to map their traditional forest lands. Similar projects are being developed in the neighbouring countries of the Congo Basin. The objective is to the financing that developed countries have agreed to provide the protection of the rainforest. (Copenhagen Summit last December). In the Bandundu province where the Sisters of the Holy Family are located, we are up against these difficulties. We try to make people aware that we have respect for nature, planting and set an example by replanting and caring for fruit trees, the technique of leaving the land fallow, gardening in plots for the green vegetables. In some places, we encourage those who undertake to build their houses with mud bricks to avoid deforestation. But there are many people who do not yet grasp the merits of this. The African jungle should not be regarded merely as raw material in the same way that some mineral wealth is, but also, and above all, as a living environment for the global population. Listen  Christine FENE-FENE   

This year, many of the Latin American countries celebrate their independence. We have suggested many articles on this event in Interconections ; but today we present to you the profound message of the celebration in Paraguay through extracts from the Bishop’s message in L’agance Fides.
A NEW EVANGELIZATION FOR A NEW PARAGUAYBicentenary celebration ofnational independence ofParaguay This year, many of the Latin American countries celebrate their independence. We have suggested many articles on this event in Interconections ; but today we present to you the profound message of the celebration in Paraguay through extracts from the Bishop’s  message in L’agance Fides. The Message of the Episcopal Conference of Paraguay (ECP) published on the occasion of the Bicentennial of Independence reflects the deepest desire of the people of Paraguay: the desire to break free from the scourge of corruption and to have a more worthy and better organized political class . This new urgent appeal aims to promote the application of policies that will overcome “the old and repetitive defects that favor the interests of individuals and movements on a vision that embraces the interests of society as a whole. People need to feel safe and have confidence in political protagonists, “said the Message which was sent to Fides. The Message, which is titled “A new evangelization for a new Paraguay”. was read by Archbishop Claudio Gimenez Medina, Bishop of Caacupé in the Cathedral of Asuncion on May 14. Besides the desire of getting rid of the scourge of corruption forever, the document also calls for giving priority to the most disadvantaged social groups through “a social policy that goes beyond charity and promotes fair economy.”   The celebration of the bicentennial of independence must serve “to show more love to the country, with specific and concrete actions” is written in the message. Since it is everyone`s responsibility, as pointed out by the Bishop of Caacupé, the Paraguayans have to exercise their rights as citizens, and primarily the right to vote, with greater awareness and sense of responsibility, to change the present deplorable state of things. The message ends with these words: “We Bishops of Paraguay believe that evangelization should form a new Paraguayan man, who passionately loves God, its country, the Church and brothers and sisters who are most in need of God’s love As a nation united in justice, equality and peace, we look at a vision of hope for our country so our country will turn into being holy and consecrated to God. I want to give the descendants new people, a new society, that in the Bicentenary celebration of national independence looks within himself to rediscover its Christian roots. ” (EC) (Agenzia Fides 05/18/2011) 

The new technologies are not only changing the way we communicate, but communication itself, so much so that it could be said that we are living through a period of vast cultural transformation. This means of spreading information and knowledge is giving birth to a new way of learning and thinking,
THE 45th WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY BENEDICTUS XVI Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age  The new technologies are not only changing the way we communicate, but communication itself, so much so that it could be said that we are living through a period of vast cultural transformation. This means of spreading information and knowledge is giving birth to a new way of learning and thinking, with unprecedented opportunities for establishing relationships and building fellowship. New horizons are now open that were until recently unimaginable; they stir our wonder at the possibilities offered by these new media and, at the same time, urgently demand a serious reflection on the significance of communication in the digital age. This is particularly evident when we are confronted with the extraordinary potential of the internet and the complexity of its uses. As with every other fruit of human ingenuity, the new communications technologies must be placed at the service of the integral good of the individual and of the whole of humanity. If used wisely, they can contribute to the satisfaction of the desire for meaning, truth and unity which remain the most profound aspirations of each human being. The new technologies allow people to meet each other beyond the confines of space and of their own culture, creating in this way an entirely new world of potential friendships. This is a great opportunity, but it also requires greater attention to and awareness of possible risks. ·     Who is my “neighbour” in this new world? ·     Does the danger exist that we may be less present to those whom we encounter in our everyday life? ·     Is there is a risk of being more distracted because our attention is fragmented and absorbed in a world “other” than the one in which we live? ·      Do we have time to reflect critically on our choices and to foster human relationships which are truly deep and lasting? It is important always to remember that virtual contact cannot and must not take the place of direct human contact with people at every level of our lives. When people exchange information, they are already sharing themselves, their view of the world, their hopes, their ideals. It follows that there exists a Christian way of being present in the digital world: this takes the form of a communication which is honest and open, responsible and respectful of others.  The task of witnessing to the Gospel in the digital era calls for everyone to be particularly attentive to the aspects of that message which can challenge some of the ways of thinking typical of the web. The truth of the Gospel is not something to be consumed or used superficially; rather it is a gift that calls for a free response. Even when it is proclaimed in the virtual space of the web, the Gospel demands to be incarnated in the real world and linked to the real faces of our brothers and sisters, those with whom we share our daily lives. Direct human relations always remain fundamental for the transmission of the faith! I would like then to invite Christians, confidently and with an informed and responsible creativity, to join the network of relationships which the digital era has made possible. This is not simply to satisfy the desire to be present, but because this network is an integral part of human life. The web is contributing to the development of new and more complex intellectual and spiritual horizons, new forms of shared awareness. In this field too we are called to proclaim our faith that Christ is God, the Saviour of humanity and of history, the one in whom all things find their fulfilment (cf. Eph 1:10). The proclamation of the Gospel requires a communication which is at once respectful and sensitive, which stimulates the heart and moves the conscience; one which reflects the example of the risen Jesus when he joined the disciples on the way to Emmaus (cf. Lk 24:13-35). By his approach to them, his dialogue with them, his way of gently drawing forth what was in their heart, they were led gradually to an understanding of the mystery. In the final analysis, the truth of Christ is the full and authentic response to that human desire for relationship, communion and meaning which is reflected in the immense popularity of social networks. It is precisely this uniquely human spiritual yearning which inspires our quest for truth and for communion and which impels us to communicate with integrity and honesty.

Ever since I became more aware of my Christian vocation, the figure of St. Joseph has fascinated me, perhaps because I felt that one day I would make the decision to become a member of the Holy Family of Bordeaux as a lay associate. When I entered into contact with people who could help me to understand and be influenced by his story, I felt a certain apprehension.
THE FIGURE OF ST. JOSEPH Ever since I became more aware of my Christian vocation, the figure of St. Joseph has fascinated me, perhaps because I felt that one day I would make the decision to become a member of the Holy Family of Bordeaux as a lay associate.  When I entered into contact with people who could help me to understand and be influenced by his story, I felt a certain apprehension.   The personal responsibility I experienced seemed very little in comparison with St. Joseph’s responsibility which was very great.  I have to think about the small everyday things each day – always with the joy that characterised Jesus, Mary and Joseph.  I lived all this from the basis of faith – faith manifested in obedience to the divine will.   I spontaneously think of what might have happened if someone had said to me: « Your wife is expecting a child which is not yours ».  This thought struck me forcibly and I became aware of the limitations of my mind compared to St. Joseph who was capable of understanding that if he welcomed the Son of God into his family, he would be collaborating in the salvation of the world.  I can say today that the family which St Joseph protected and defended so well, has to be, more than ever, the example and goal for us as lay people within the “Holy Family” especially nowadays when there seems such a lack of unity and fidelity, joy in children and serenity of relationships among the members, based on joy and happiness.  Today more than ever, we must follow the example of strength and moral solidity which St Joseph demonstrated as collaborator in the work of forming the perfect family existing in God from the very beginning.  We must always remember that the best of families is never free from suffering, misunderstanding and limitations and that Joseph did not exercise that absolute power of a father over a son that is characteristic of father-son relationships in the Old Testament.  Rather his role of father of our redeemer was based on total adherence to the will of the Father, on seeking always God alone in every moment and being the good and faithful servant who is ready to serve God in all things.   I have tried to follow his loving example and his concern to defend Jesus and Mary from all dangers, to provide for them with the work of his hands and to be always respectful of the laws of God and of society.   The holiness of his life in the ordinary day-to-day living should be for us lay people, an example of simplicity and generosity without ostentation.  Joseph was a faithful spouse and father, a treasure offered to us by the Lord and which we, as lay associates of the Holy Family must discover and emulate in our lives. Enzo ManciniLay Associate SFB (Italia)    

Lord Jesus, you called me by name
And sent me to work in your vineyard.
You continue to call many women and men
To be brothers and sisters to one another
And to be open to all creation.
LORD OF THE MISSIONLord Jesus, you called me by nameAnd sent me to work in your vineyard.You continue to call many women and menTo be brothers and sisters to one another    And to be open to all creation.                                                                                           Teach us to be with youTo be your witnesses among our brothers and sisters.  Help us to communicate the good news of your Reign,Help us to be compassionate and courageous in the face of so many difficulties.Help us to be committed to the building up of a better world.Help us to be aware each day of your callShow us where we must be to enter into contact with our brothers and sisters.Show us how we can reach their hearts.                                                                                                                                                                                 Teach us true povertyHow to have free hearts. Fill us with an apostolic spiritSo that we may be led by your spirit to wherever the need is greatest.Give us your peaceShow us the paths that lead to communionMay we truly desire communion,Proclaim it and live it always.                                                                                                                                                                                   Keep us close to youSo that we may always commit ourselvesTo the mission of uniting into one family all humankind. Amen. 

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the saving work of God extends to all creation. Human beings and creation are interdependent (Col 1, 18-20)
TODAY HE IS RISEN AND HE LIVES! Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the saving work of God extends to all creation.  Human beings and creation are interdependent (Col 1, 18-20) In the person of Jesus the whole of humanity and all creation have been taken up.  So in Him, humanity and creation have achieved their objective, their end and meaning and have responded to the free, unconditional love of God.   Each Easter is a celebration of the whole of creation that is transformed in the light of the Risen One. (Denis Edwards)   Paschal joy permeates the whole Church and the whole of humanity since in the risen Christ the universe has been renewed.  How can we speak of Resurrection in the lives of each one of us and in the human structures and realities that surround us today?   Even though words like « death », « catastrophe », « war » and « conflict » appear continually in our daily lives, nevertheless, we intuit with the witnesses of the resurrection and the first Christian communities that JESUS ROSE AND STILL LIVES.     He appears very much alive in the efforts of so many people who seek food, work, shelter, dignity…and in the solidarity of those who support them.   He is ALIVE in those groups who live in love and hope and who work to build a better world for all.   He is ALIVE in the joy of so many committed people who work so that all may have life. He is ALIVE when we are able to look at our world, not with discouragement but with eyes of hope as we involve ourselves in the struggle for human rights and dignity for all.   He is ALIVE when we relate in new ways to the whole of creation, living in interdependence with all created beings.   He is ALIVE when in the face of the physical death of so many people and the extinction of so many species, we continue to proclaim:  TODAY HE IS RISEN!