15/12/2023
Christmas 2023
Dear Collaborators in the mission of Nicolas Barré
Christmas is a very special feast for us, who have chosen to follow a path guided by Blessed Nicolas Barré. He advises us never to stray too far from the crib of Jesus... With all my heart, I wish you a very happy Christmas! May joy and celebration resound wherever you live!
But perhaps you are wondering: How can we rejoice in the midst of all the violence that is tearing apart countries who are at war or who are victims of terrorist attacks: when so many hearts and borders are closed to migrants: when there are so many outcasts in our world where money reigns supreme?
Yes, our heartfelt wish is that these days of Christmas will truly be days of celebration and deep happiness for each and every one of you! I bring you news of great joy: to you is born this day a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord (Lk 2:10). May our homes reflect the great happiness that is within us! And above all, what I hope and wish for you is that you will dare to take this opportunity to tell those who are close to you, your neighbours and your friends, whether Christian or not, why you are so happy...
I hope that you will be able to express the source of your joy, in the first person, because it is true for you, because it is true that Jesus saves you. Can you speak about how he saves you? Can you express your joy that God has chosen to reveal himself in the fragility of a child, and that this brings him very close to us? Will you be able to express your joy because your own frailties can become a place where you meet God, who does not reveal himself in strength and greatness. Will you be able to say that this God-child, born in a stable, invites outcasts as well as kings and scholars, and that in God, as in us, there is room for every person who finds life difficult?
Under various names, there are now nearly 80 of you around the world who have more officially chosen to collaborate in Nicolas Barré's mission. It began over 300 years ago and continues today on 4 continents. Soon the sisters, who number just over 400, will be invited to review the progress made over the last few years. From June 2024, they will begin to prepare their international general assembly, known as a chapter, which will take place a year later, in June 2025. Each country will also have its own chapter. The sisters will tell you about this in due course, and you will have the opportunity to be involved in their reflections. Together we will continue to put ourselves in the school of Jesus to share in your actions and words this Good News of a Love that saves us.
From the bottom of my heart, and with the team of our International Council (Sr Jane, Sr Felicia and Sr Marina), I wish you a joyful feast of Christmas, which will enable you to share with others in the extraordinary Good News of God revealed in a child.
Sr Brigitte
