Our Sisters in Ouarzazate, 3rd on the left Sr. Rehema and in the centre Sr. Hélène, among the faithful who came to celebrate together the Eucharist
The Community of Ouarzazate, Morocco, share a memorable day
There are days that leave an indelible mark on the soul, like a light that continues to shine for a long time. Sunday, October 26, was one of those days. In a context that does not allow us to hold open public activities or celebrations, we chose to mark the closing of the Jubilee Year of our Founder, Cardinal Charles Lavigerie, with what unites us most: a Eucharistic celebration imbued with recollection and fervour.
A moment where every gesture and word counts.
The preparations were simple but made with much love. A few prayers, a short message about our Founder and prayer intentions filled with hope.
We also chose hymns in different languages, symbolizing the interculturalism within the Church, as desired by our Founder. The parish priest, Father Erick, had thoughtfully sent a WhatsApp message to the parish group, inviting parishioners to join us in celebrating God through this Giant of the Faith who had dedicated his life to Africa.
At the beginning of Mass, the celebrant offered a word of welcome, introducing Lavigerie as the apostle of Africa, a contributor to the abolition of slavery and a prophet of Christian-Muslim dialogue.
In his homily, the celebrant spoke of the Cardinal, emphasizing his obedience, a Gospel value he insisted upon and wanted to see embodied in his missionaries. The priest also highlighted his humility, particularly the fact that toward the end of his life he regretted certain aspects of his character.
Recognizing in Lavigerie the model of the servant, he recalled this passage from the Gospel:
So you also, when you have done everything you were commanded, should say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” (Luke 17:10)
We were moved by the way he adapted his entire homily to the person of Cardinal Lavigerie. Then we offered prayer intentions to God, in communion with our world and its realities.
At the end of Mass, a word of thanks was addressed to the congregation. We also informed them that the M.Afr and the MSOLA have opened their doors to lay people who wish to live and share the Lavigerian charism with us. We then prayed the Sancta Maria and concluded this beautiful day with a time of fellowship over lemon juice and homemade doughnuts.
Even today, our hearts overflow with gratitude: We thank God for this blessed day when, despite the constraints of our circumstances, we were able to celebrate our Founding Father in a fitting manner. We are happy and deeply grateful!
The bicentenary has come to a close, but the mission continues.
Cardinal Lavigerie’s heart still beats, his spirit still breathes life, carried by the men and women who, like him, believe that Africa is loved by God and called to radiate His light.
