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132 years anniversary of Fr. Mary Alphonse’s death

“I believe in the resurrection, in divine mercy, in Mary’s tenderrness and in eternal life” (Fr. Mary Alphonse)

On May 6th we celebrated two important events. The approbation of the new constitution in 1984 and in 1884, Fr Mary Alphonse died.

We had a beautiful mass at 7am. We started in the cemetery and then we walked two by two until the big chapel with contemplative and apostolic sisters, brothers of Sion and friends of Sion.

We recalled the memory of the death of Father Alphonse in the last moments of his life:

“Father Mary asked for something to drink, holding the cup in his hands himself. Immediately after, a light gently brightened his face; he raised his read slightly, smiled, and opened his big blue eyes which had been closed since the afternoon. Full of life, they looked steadily at the corner of the room opposite his bed. Shortly afterwards, his eyes closed and while Sr. Eleonore whispered: “Mary… Mary,” he gave two gentle sighs. Humble until death, Father Mary had continued to be so in the place he had chosen for his burial and which he often pointed out in a little corner of the farm-yard with the hens, with the animals… opposite the Visitation“. (Foundations and last year. Book 4, Page. 305)

It is beautiful to do this remembrance of his life and his deep relationship with Virgin Mary. Also Fr. Alphonso’s spiritual life is for us an example. He was just a man full of faith and a servant just like Virgin Mary:

“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (Lk 1, 38)

After, we had a delicious breakfast together and enjoyed sharing the morning.

Other important event was last Thursday we went to mass in the Chapel of the Ascension in Jerusalem to celebrate the Ascension of Christ. On the floor, inside there is a slab of stone imprinted with the footprint of Christ. It was a beautiful celebration.

“While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God” (Lk 24, 52-53)

Jesus promised to send us the Holy Spirit of truth. Father Theodore said:

“to listen with humble docility and the Holy Spirit is revealed to our heart or strike our ears, in order to understand, love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ better and better.” (Father Theodore. Religious life at Sion. Book 4, page. 174)

Also, we visited the Russian Orthodox convent of Saint Mary Magdalene and the Church of the Sepulcher of Saint Mary.

Andrea Chacón Carmona, Novice NDS
Community St. John in Montana
May 9th, 2016.