Le PrécurseurMIC MISSION NEWS <body> <CENTER> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="10" CELLSPACING="20"> <TR> <TD> <CENTER><P><FONT FACE="Book Antiqua" SIZE="6" COLOR="#339933"><B>MORE THAN A TRIP </B></FONT></P></CENTER> <P ALIGN="justify"><FONT FACE="Book Antiqua" COLOR="#339933"><B>Since a long time, I have been searching for a way to express my gratitude to the MIC Sisters. So great is my thankfulness that I don't seem to find the proper words to thank these missionaries who have given me life. I would want the whole world to know: these are passionate women for Christ and for His Mission. Transformed by Him they radiate the faith, the love, and their thanksgiving as they walk with and accompany others on the road of life. </B></FONT> <BR>by Nathalie Genest </P> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <P><FONT FACE="Calibri" SIZE="3" COLOR="#339933"><B>TOUCHED BY AN ENCOUNTER </B></FONT> </P> <P ALIGN="justify"> This story begins with Sr. Lucille Prévost, a Missionary of the Immaculate Conception. I met her at a time when my life was limited to work and studies—to me, this no longer made sense. With all her missionary dynamism, Sr. Lucille came to my parish to give a talk on mission. I was so thirsty for God! I felt so powerless! After hearing Sr. Lucille's message, it came to my mind that I should go on a trip with little more than my backpack. Following up on this inspiration, I talked with the person in charge at our parish who suggested that I speak to Sr. Lucille who in turn referred me to Sr. Pauline Williams who was at that time responsible for the lay mission program. Here, I was offered more than a trip! Within this mission program I found a place where I could express my faith and be heard. I was deeply touched. Now, every time I meet Sr. Pauline I remember how very timid I was when I first came to her. That woman no longer exists compared to the person I am today. </P> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <P ALIGN="justify"> Furthermore, the 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises with Sr. Monique Préfontaine, also a Missionary of the Immaculate Conception, helped me tremendously in building a solid foundation for my faith: a living faith opened and rooted because of a language I could understand. A beautiful spiritual friendship developed between Sr. Monique and me. How grateful I am for this sacred link! </P> <P><FONT FACE="Calibri" SIZE="3" COLOR="#339933"><B>A TRIP… NO! A MISSION </B></FONT> </P> <P ALIGN="justify"> After six years of preparation, the trip project was no longer an absolute. I had received the essential: discovery of my personal identity and a circle of exceptional friends. A mission project was destined for me. I left for Madagascar where for three years I lived and shared the mission life with the MIC Sisters. </P> <P ALIGN="justify"> They welcomed me as one of their own; they accompanied me during my missionary experience. I discovered another culture, I learned the local language, I visited families in their homes, and I worked with mentally handicapped people. The latter confirmed my vocation. After this experience I decided to go live with the communities of L'ARCHE of Jean Vanier. Responding to the daily needs of people who are different from me and being in contact with them, truly transforms me. </P> <P><FONT FACE="Calibri" SIZE="3" COLOR="#339933"><B>FURTHER STEPS…</B></FONT> </P> <P ALIGN="justify"> The love I have for this MIC Community is engraved in my heart and prevents me from doubting God's existence. Strong in this love, I can in turn be a missionary. As you know, dedication and commitment for people my age is not so simple. However, this link with the MIC Sisters leads me to take further steps in Him and with Him. </P> <P ALIGN="justify"> Thank you for allowing me to be at home with you… Thank you to Délia Tétreault who has been the inspiration of this Community and to this day continues inspiring her daughters. Yes, of course, miracles do exist! </P> </TD> </TR> </TABLE> </CENTER> <P ALIGN="left"><A HREF="../../../../home.htm">Home</A></P> <P ALIGN="left"><A HREF="../archives.htm">Archives</A></P> </body> </html>