The National Meeting of the Montfortian Marian Fraternity

SAINT LAURENT-SUR-SÈVRE, France - Who would dare to pretend to possess the spirit of fraternity if one refused to meet his brothers? The desire to meet others is something quite natural. It is therefore not surprising that, from June 30 to July 2, 2017, the national meeting of the Montfortian Marian Fraternity or – in French - Fraternité Mariale Montfortaine (FMM) was held at Saint Laurent-sur-Sèvre. The participants - 79 people - came from various regions of France and Belgium.

After the registration of the participants, the meeting opened at the Basilica of Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort with a Mass presided by Father Pierre Grosperrin, national responsible of the Fraternity. In the evening, the general introduction, presented by Father Arnold Suhardi, was followed by the presentation of the participants either in groups or individually. This was the activity of the first day.

In the morning of the second day, the teaching given by Fr. Olivier Maire on how to live the consecration in everyday life was followed by sharing in groups on the reality, difficulties and expectations of the Fraternity. In the afternoon, there was a celebration of the renewal of the consecration in the basilica, followed by the visits. The recitation of the rosary and the vespers took place in the big Chapel of the Daughters of Wisdom. The evening was dedicated to listening to the groups inputs. It was a very rich day of sharing and prayers.

During the third day, we listened to Father Olivier Maire's responses to the expectations of the participants. For the future of the Fraternity in France, we must rely on the role of the International Community in Saint Laurent as the "national reference" of the Fraternity. Father Olivier also points out that the Fraternity is institutionally attached to the Montfort Missionaries. As such, the members of the Fraternity have the right to receive formation and support from the Montfort Missionaries and, conversely, the Montfort Missionaries have the duty to accompany the members of the Fraternity.

Finally, the meeting ended with the Mass which was also the Sunday parish Mass, presided by Fr Arnold Suhardi, at the Basilica.

To the members of the FMM: Good luck to your mission in proclaiming the Reign of Jesus through Mary!