This summer,29 members made their lifelong commitment to the Chemin Neuf Community in Canada and France. It was a joyful occasion not only for the 13 brothers and sisters who took their vows of celibacy for the Kingdom, but also for the 8 couples who dedicated their lives to following Christ.
In Canada
In Montreal, Jonathan and Matthieu took their final vows of celibacy for the Kingdom before Bishop Michel Proulx of Bathurst. This was followed by their lifelong commitment to the Chemin Neuf Community alongside Martin and Isabelle, a married couple in the community.
In France
Across the Atlantic, in France, 10 brothers and sisters made their lifelong vows of celibacy for the Kingdom. During the same celebration, presided over by Archbishop Olivier de Germay of Lyon, seven couples and 11 consecrated singles took their vows of lifelong commitment in the Chemin Neuf Community.
“We give thanks to the Lord for those who commit themselves for life, for this is a powerful sign that our world needs.”
Archbishop Olivier de Germay of Lyon
During his homily, the Archbishop of Lyon asked the congregation what might inspire such a commitment. “It is love, of course,” he was quick to exclaim. Archbishop de Germay reminded the congregation that love is the key to understanding any Christian life.
There are many different paths that lead to a lifelong commitment. For him, there are three. Love at first sight, where “I am seized by the love of Christ, who says to me, ‘Come, leave everything behind and follow me, ’” he explains. Christ’s call also comes “through a call to live in community, ” the archbishop continues. And finally, there is the case where the process of commitment takes place gradually. “It can take time,” he says. “But it wasn’t time wasted. On the contrary, it was a time of purification and growth,” reassures this former graduate of Saint-Cyr.
Next comes a time of perseverance and faithfulness. It is possible for the inner fire to die out in the spiritual life. The important thing during this time of crisis is “ not to look at his feet like Peter did when he walked on water “, warns the archbishop. But he adds that “ This is the time to lift our eyes to Christ and cry out to him, “Lord, save me.” “It’s also important to reach out to others rather than just focusing on ourselves. In this particular case, Bishop de Germay advises us to put the Gospel into practice by loving one another.”
And so, little by little, “by the grace of God, life is reborn, ” he adds. “We return to God. He is always there, always faithful. ‘His love for me has proven to be the strongest,’ says Psalm 116. ‘During my times of estrangement, my unfaithfulness, my crises, and even my breakups, He was there, waiting for me, continuing to love me,’ urges Bishop de Germay.
And addressing the assembly, “We bless the Lord for those who commit themselves for life, for this is a powerful sign that our world needs—a sign that in God, we have everything,” he concluded.
But it’s not over yet!
The celebration continues on to Moundou (Chad). Ghislaine, Valentin, and Brigitte will make their lifelong commitments on October 17 during a Mass presided over by Bishop Joachim Kouraleyo Tarounga of Moundou.
