The following Sunday, May 13, a second installation took place at the Providence orphanage where living quarters were set up for the community.
Leflon Volume 2, p. 182-183
The establishment in Marseille followed the exact pattern of the permanent mission in Aix: outreach to the poorer classes thru daily prayer and instruction, and regular ministry with the youth leading to the foundation of a Youth Congregation for those who wished to participate. Rey describes the way of life of the two Missionaries:
Father Maunier took charge of the foundation of the Calvaire. He devoted himself to caring for the young orphans of the Providence House and began a course of daily catechism for them.
Gradually he also attracted to his lessons the young people of the working classes who could not follow the parish catechism and he began to prepare them for their first communion. He obtained excellent results. He soon had up to 70 diligent young people participating in his catechetical instructions. Once a group was sufficiently prepared, they had a short retreat before they received the Holy Eucharist. Priests greatly appreciated this ministry filled with genuine selflessness.
Soon Father Maunier instituted the evening prayer in the chapel of the Holy Sepulcher following the practice of the Mission of Aix. From the Calvaire he returned to Providence to take care of children and young people. A Youth Congregation came about as a result of the success achieved.
Rey I
“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you.” Mother Teresa
Today as I read this I found myself experiencing somehow a small moment of joy at the success of their work with the youth. There was genuine joy for these early missionaries who had taken on this way of life so that others might simply come to experience and know the love of God. But even greater was the joy for and with the youth who were able to share in the sacraments, and find themselves touched and embraced by God. I was a little surprised by it all, this joy in me that was all for them and I had to ask myself where it had come from.
I am preparing to give a retreat this coming weekend and as the time grows nearer I find myself less fearful about who will actually be running this show (not I nor Ken but God). It is more than words – it is a new depth of truth of consciousness. I find myself becoming more hopeful and excited for each of the persons who will come, for God will reveal himself/herself to each of them in more fullness and life. I am excited to be able to share how God has worked in me, for all the graces and love that I am being filled with. Although I have not yet met some of them it is as if they were already known to me, and I am preparing share with them my greatest joys by allowing God to use me this way.
I am humbled and grateful that God allows me to give and to serve this way. Catherine Doherty said “open your hearts and allow the world to walk through”. God, You have started to open my heart, so I ask you today to give me the grace to keep the door open.