“I pray much for La Mure so that the Good God may make it holy and happy.” — Eymard
LA MURE is the birthplace of Father Eymard. He grew up in the house located at 69 rue du Breuil. There is the chapel where he received the sacraments of baptism and confirmation, and where his Eucharistic piety was born and nurtured; later on he had also preached there. Upon his death, the funeral service for him was held in the said chapel. One can also find in La Mure the three stone crosses known as the Calvary; Father Eymard’s and his sisters’ tombs in the cemetery; and other memorabilia of his life.
FR. VERGEL DALANGIN, SSS:
Fr. Vergel is one of the four personnel in La Mure that take care of the parish with 44 chapels (formerly parish churches), the Eymardian patrimony (Eymard’s house and Eymard’s chapel), and the Eymardian Center (formation and exhibit for promoting Eymard). He is finishing his term in August next year. He is very effective in his ministry both in the parish and in the Center. He has a good contribution in community life especially in being able to relate well with other nationalities. By continuous self-study he is able to better his command of French, but the long winter is really a challenge for him. We thank Fr. Vergel for his gift of self and I am encouraging others to consider this very important foundation of the Congregation.
PRESENT PERSONNEL:
The SSS presence in La Mure since the canonical erection of the house was assured until now by religious coming from different countries. The actual composition of the community is as follows:
- Manuel Barbiero (Italy): present since September 2007, Superior,
- Armand Moudilou (Congo): present since July 2009, Pastor,
- Vergel Dalangin (Philippines): present since May 2012,
- Julian Prakash (India): present since June 2014.
The community of four religious is in charge of a very extensive parish (44 steeples), with the responsibility of the “Eymard Center” and the “Eymard Exhibit” situated at rue de Breuil.
Some of the religious actually present in La Mure are beginning to show signs of fatigue, either because of the length of their mandate, or for reasons of health, or some difficulty in adapting to the climate. It therefore seems necessary to foresee their replacement, at least by some short-term assignments.
URGENT PREPARATION FOR THE CONTINUITY OF LA MURE:
There is an urgent need to prepare religious who would then be inserted into the La Mure community for pastoral work (to work at St. Peter Julian Eymard Parish) and to become specialists in Fr. Eymard.
For those who could be called and are available to participate in this initiative, it is important that it would be clear on their part that they have the capacity and the desire to: (1) Learn the French language; (2) Be open to a different culture, and to a different ecclesial and social environment; (3) Adapt to the different weather conditions especially the long winter months and (4) Learn to drive in the Alps.
LA MURE COMMUNITY AND SAINT PETER JULIAN EYMARD PARISH:
27 November 2006 – The General Council discusses the proposition of Msgr. Guy De Kérimel, Bishop of Vienne-Grenoble, to set up a foundation in La Mure and make it a place of pilgrimage and of Eucharistic radiation.
Cognizant of the implication of the project to the entire Congregation, both because of the importance of this site for the SSS and because of the difficulty to realize such a community (considering also the situation of the personnel in Europe), the Council decided to consult the Conseil Général Amplifié, or Amplified General Council (AGC).
5 December 2006 – The Superior General, Fr. Fiorenzo Salvi, sends a letter of consultation to all the Superiors, provincial/regional (AGC) of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, regarding the Bishop’s proposal.
26 February 2007 – After the positive response from all the Provincial/Regional Superiors, dialogues begin in Rome and in La Mure to finalize the project. The General Council then sends a positive answer to the Bishop for the canonical erection of the community of La Mure.
29 July 2007 – The Bishop officially announces to the parishioners the arrival of the SSS community, explaining the reasons for this.
September 2007 – The community accepts the responsibility for the parish named after St. Peter Julian Eymard.
THE 34TH GENERAL CHAPTER (2011) FOR LA MURE:
The 34th General Chapter recognizes the importance of La Mure since it can lead to a better understanding of our Founder by the members of the “Eymardian Family” including the laypeople and those interested in the life and works of Fr. Eymard.
In this perspective, the General Chapter mandates the General Council to organize a project of restructuring La Mure in view of a better reception and guidance of visitors, and the possibility of an adequate formation on the birth place of the Founder.
THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR LA MURE AND THE EYMARDIAN SITES:
The International Commission for La Mure and the Eymardian sites is at the service of the Congregation to safeguard and make better use of the sites that are the patrimony of the entire “Eymardian Family”, composed of religious men, the Servants, and lay associates.
THE INITIATIVES OF THE COMMISSION AND THE ACTUAL SITUATION OF THE PROJECTS:
The Commission has already been able to realize some projects, and they are the following:
- THE EYMARD HOUSE – A “place of welcome”. The Eymard house at 69 rue de Breuil was fully restored to allow prolonged experiences for the members of the “Eymardian Family” and for those who are interested in Fr. Eymard. The ‘Eymard house’ which can accommodate 7 persons, even for prolonged stays, is under the care of a volunteer and a salaried person who is responsible for the meals.
- THE EYMARD EXHIBIT – A “memorable place”. It is also located at 69 rue de Breuil and is available to pilgrims who visit La Mure, or who are on their way to the sanctuary of La Salette and Laus. The exhibit, which already received 271 visitors, showcases the life and works of St. Peter Julian Eymard through panels, video and printed materials.
- THE EYMARD CHAPEL – A “place of prayer”. The former parish church of Eymard which was reduced to a chapel was renovated by the Congregation to make it useable and available for pilgrims. The chapel was inaugurated last December 20, 2014 by Msgr. Guy de Kerimel, Bishop of Vienne-Grenoble. A heating system was installed to allow its use even during the severe winter.
EYMARDIAN CENTER:
The purpose of the Center is to promote the life and works of Saint Peter Julian Eymard through study and formation sessions. It welcomes and animates pilgrims. According to Fr. Manuel Barbiero, the head of the Center, he very much appreciates the collaborative efforts of Fr. Vergel Dalangin (Philippines) and also some laypersons who have already received specific formation, in accompanying small groups around La Mure, particularly to the Exhibit and the Chapel.
THE “FRIENDS OF FR. EYMARD IN MATHEYSINE”:
This association, which is based on a free and benevolent membership, functions very well and already includes several associates (90) who contribute to the running of the sites and activities of the Eymard Center. The associates meet regularly and follow a basic spiritual formation, mostly on the life and spirituality of Eymard.
*** [Text is based on the presentation of Fr. Giulio Maccali during the 2015 Amplified General Council]
PRAYERS FOR:
- Healing for Mama Eulalia del Rosario (mother of Fr. Mark del Rosario, SSS)
- Healing for Mr. Luke Ejulun (father of Fr. Martin Ochola, SSS)
- The repose of the soul of Matilda Bakataka (stepmother of Fr. Victor Zinkuratire, SSS)
The guidance of the Holy Spirit in my animation here in Uganda
Fr. Joseph Matitu, SSS
[MAY 8, 2015]