The congregation of the Jesus and Mary was founded by Claudine Thévenet on the 6th October 1818, in Lyon France and today we are present in 29 countries.
What could have happened in the heart of a woman so profound to bear so much fruit?
200 years ago, Claudine placed her wounded heart in the hands of God, 200 years ago, Claudine decided not to focus on her own pain and self-interest but instead to be involved with the miseries of her time. Because of this, 200 years ago she founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, aware that only by living as community, with the heart of God and being attentive to the needs of others can the world be changed.
Today we want you to join with us in telling the story of a woman and a congregation who weaved together the threads of love, faith and communion. We invite you to be part of the celebration of the bicentenary, of the foundation of our congregation. Come and learn of the passion of Claudine Thévenet, her passion for God and her passion for humanity…a passion that enabled her to live beyond her own cross and to be able to say “How good God is”. People who live life to the full never die. Today Claudine lives on in her sisters ofertas congregation, pupils, former students, teachers, AFJM and all people associated with us.
We wish to organise in a simple and creative way a celebration that would help us to give thanks for FAITH and for the experience of God in our lives, for the merciful LOVE of God and for pardon; “How good is God” in the world of today and to continue serving and accompanying our most needy brothers and sisters.
Our jubilee celebration will begin on October 2017 and culminate in October 2018.
We invite you as members of the family of Jesus and Mary to participate with us and to renew yourselves in the charism that has enriched the Church during these past 200 years and with the Grace of God we wish to continue serving.
United with you.
Religious of Jesus and Mary