In Avranches, the Bethany retirement home in the Village du Mont Carmel provides accommodation for elderly nuns from several congregations. Ten years ago, the ageing community of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mount Carmel entrusted their home to the Chemin Neuf Community, which has since been supporting them as they lose their independence, enabling them to continue their religious life until the end.
For several years now, the establishment has been welcoming several religious congregations who are losing their independence. The nuns are accompanied by nursing staff and members of the Chemin Neuf Community to the crypt, located at street level, where the day’s liturgical celebrations take place.
Those who are more independent take the stairs, while the others take the lift.
Prayer remains the guiding thread of a consecrated life, even when the body imposes its limitations. Marc Hodara, head of the Carmel Village and member of the Chemin Neuf community, explains that a sound system allows the services to be broadcast to the rooms. ‘Sisters who are no longer able to move around for certain services can thus remain part of this time of fraternal communion,’ he explains.
The liturgy is led by members of Chemin Neuf, assisted by other congregations.
Here, support is based on a simple principle: never do something for someone else unless it is necessary. ‘When a sister takes the lift, we always ask her which floor she wants to go to,’ explains Marc Hodara. ‘It is often at this moment that we notice a possible disorientation.’ The goal is not performance, but continuity. ‘The loss of autonomy is not instantaneous. What is no longer possible today may sometimes return tomorrow,’ he observes.
Simple gestures
Nuns, priests and lay people sit down for lunch at tables of four. Some struggle to reach for their napkins, which are stored in a pouch. Marc says he has changed the way he helps them: “You have to let them do it themselves. And only help if you see that it’s becoming impossible. ‘
Sister Marie-Catherine, superior of the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, shares this vigilance: ’We must never anticipate what people can no longer do. We must continue to support them so that they can do as much as possible for themselves.‘
’Encourage and value”
Memory loss remains the most difficult challenge to accept. Sr Marie-Catherine sees this every day: ‘When a sister realises she is losing her memory, it is very painful.’ Psychological support and attentive listening are then offered. ‘We must not point out their forgetfulness, but encourage and value them,’ she insists.
To maintain a sense of usefulness, some are given small tasks. One of them is responsible for placing sugar on the tables during coffee time. ‘This gesture may seem insignificant,’ points out Sister Marie-Catherine, “but it is essential for her. It is her service. It reminds her that she is still capable of serving and having responsibility. “
At Mont Carmel Village, old age does not erase vocation or the desire to serve. Through modest gestures, shared prayers, and respectful accompaniment of people’s dignity, the Chemin Neuf community walks alongside ageing congregations and lay people to help them maintain what is at the heart of life.
More information and contacts: https://avranches.chemin-neuf.fr/