On November 28, 2024, Bishop Msg. Philippe Ballot from the Diocese of St. Stephen Metz visited our Sisters in Le Ban St. Martin, France. Since his installation as bishop in Metz in 2022, it was the first occasion to welcome him in our French motherhouse. After the celebration of the Eucharist in the Sisters’ chapel, the bishop met the Sisters for a nice dinner with joyful conversation, the sharing of our rich congregational history in France (since 1872) and the life stories of our present Sisters. Everyone enjoyed the encounter in Franciscan simplicity, and Bishop Ballot promised to return in the next springtime. We will not forget to invite him.

Farewell of Mrs. Dominique Knecht

After six years of loving service for our Sisters in the motherhouse in Le Ban St. Martin, in the community of Abreschviller and in the nursing homes in Metz and Jouy aux Arches, Mrs. Dominique Knecht will begin her time of pension. A joyful farewell took place on December 20, 2024. Dominique accompanied our Sisters, especially in their medical needs. She enriched the liturgical celebrations as choir leader and organist, and she reached out to our elderly Sisters in nursing homes. Grateful for her attentive service and creativity, we are happy for her readiness to also assist us in the future. We wish Dominique a blessed time of retirement in which she can enjoy expressing herself with her many talents.

Written by: Sr. Magdalena Schmitz FCJM

Photos: FCJM Sisters