In Fernando de Mora, sharing some significant paragraphs from the Preliminary Discourse, a foundational text that serves as an introduction to and elaboration of the first printed text of the Rules and Constitutions of the Sisters of Charity of Besançon, dated 1807.
Why should we rivisit the Preliminary Discourse?
Throughout the centuries-old history of consecrated life, there have always been men and women who have decided to put the essential features of their experience in writing, to remember, share, inspire and make their powerful conviction also practicable for others:
through the continually renewed and regenerated relationship with God,
with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
in openness to the action of the Spirit,
in the company of the Church and of the men and women of their time,
the founders and foundresses experienced something
decisive and fruitful for themselves and for others.
The experience of unshakeable faith, of daring mission, of joyful and liberating fraternity, lived by Mother Thouret and her first companions, can thus become eloquent and, at least in part, participable for other people in different times and places.
“On Saturday 22 February 2025 we started the meetings of the Friends of Saint Jeanne-Antide in the community of Fernando de la Mora-Paraguay, with whom we meet once a month.
We reflect on and share a text from the Preliminary Discourse in which Saint Jeanne-Antide speaks of consistency of life and good example in the face of the world’s demands.
It was nice to share and celebrate the start of the meetings”.
