Part 5: Part 5: Growing pains…Growing pains…

When Jeanne-Marie and Marie first arrived in Cerdon,they stayed with the Sisters of St Joseph,

awaiting permission from Church authorities to form community.This situation was painful for them.

Though the Sisters were kind, they must have wonderedwhat these two women were about.

Furthermore, life in Cerdon was very different from Coutouvre – steep, rugged terrain replaced the open-sided hill of home.

An opportunityAn opportunity

Another parting for the two spiritual companions

provided an unexpected opportunity –

Marie Jotillon was needed for a project of Fr Courveille

on the other side of Lyon.

In the meantime, the Fathers Colin were without a house-keeper.

So, Jeanne-Marie took up the position at the presbytery,

bringing two young nephews with her.

Thus a truly formative Marist community

was established!

Marist Collaboration…Marist Collaboration…

In those days the Colin brothers wrote many letters in the hope of gaining approval for the Society of Mary.

Jeanne-Marie Chavoin assisted them,even visiting church officials on their behalf -

but to little avail.

At one time, when the fathers were upset due to a discouraging letter,she suggested that the three of them go to the church.

After praying there for an hour or more “..we came out feeling peaceful and contented.”

In referring to such experiences, Jeanne-Marie wrote: “..those were our finest hours!”

Part 6 of the Jeanne-Marie Chavoin Story will be published in December

…The above-named Jeanne Marie Chavoin and Marie Jotillon came to live together on 8th September 1823 in the parish of Cerdon, department of Ain,

with the approval of the Bishop of Belley, in order to begin, under his authority and the direction of the Fathers Colin,

parish priest and curate of the said parish, the Congregation of the daughters of Mary.

Then in 1823 new dioceses were created and Bishop Devie was appointed to Belley. It was he who eventually gave permission for our congregation to begin. The Account Book tells part of the story.

We can only imagine the excitement of Jeanne-Marie as she travelled to Lyon to share the news with her friend, Marie.

At last their dream was beginning to come true!

Patient endurance wins Patient endurance wins the daythe day