By Pierre-Paul Dossekpli

Lille, 2nd day of the Triple Jubilee in France – The pilgrims experienced a high point in their spiritual journey by celebrating the Eucharist in the majestic Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral. The Mass was presided over by Father Romuald Carton, Vicar General of the Diocese of Lille, in this place steeped in history for the Society of African Missions and the Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles.

The celebration had a special significance. It was in fact near this cathedral that Father Augustin Planque, founder of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles and first Superior General of the SMA, taught during his youth. A step that allowed the pilgrims to rediscover the roots of their missionary charism.

A Word that takes root

In his homily, Father Romuald Carton meditated on the parable of the sower (Mt 13), recalling that the Gospel is not primarily a moral code, but the Good News of salvation.

“Jesus is not a moralizer. He does not come to condemn, but to proclaim a word that gives life. »

Drawing on a simple image of geraniums growing in only a few inches of soil, he stressed that the Word of God can bear fruit even in the poorest of soils.

“Even in little soil, the plant grows. Even in a small land, the Good News can do its work. »

This image has become an invitation for every pilgrim: to become that “good soil” where the Word can take root, while recognizing that each one also goes through moments when his heart resembles stony or thorny ground.

The Vicar General also spoke of the spiritual renewal that the Church of France is currently experiencing, marked by the growing number of young catechumens. For him, this phenomenon is a call of the Holy Spirit to become a more welcoming Church, capable of listening to the many people in search of meaning.

“They are looking for meaning in their lives. They ask us: what is your joy of life? What do you have to offer that our company doesn’t have? »

Concluding his homily, he urged the assembly to become credible and ardent witnesses of the Gospel, shaped every day by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.

In the footsteps of Father Planque

The celebration took on a special resonance because of the historical link between this place and Father Augustin Planque. For the men and women religious engaged in the mission today, walking where their founder taught was a moment of emotion and gratitude.

“It encourages me to give more”

For Sister Faustina Annan, OLA, originally from Ghana and a teacher at Our Lady of the Apostles School in the Brong Ahafo region in Ghana, this visit revives her educational commitment.

“I feel deeply encouraged. When I discovered that Father Planque had been a teacher here, I realized that I still had a lot to offer, especially to the children I worked with. It makes me want to become a better educator, like her. »

To teach is to give one’s life

Sister Victoria Ogbu, OLA, from Nigeria, who is also involved in teaching, is equally enthusiastic. 

For her, visiting the place where Father Planque taught gives a new meaning to her own mission.

“To teach is to give what you have received. By sharing knowledge, we also share life. This is what Father Planque did. He was a humble man, and he still invites us today to live this humility. »

Among the spiritual legacies of the founder, she remembers above all prayer.

“Prayer is the source of all life. If we disconnect from God, we can’t do anything. Then comes perseverance. Missionary life requires a lot of trust in God. »

She sees in her vocation as a teacher a concrete way of continuing the work of the founder, accompanying young people in their human and spiritual growth.

Keeping the memory alive

Also present at the pilgrimage, Sister Odile Hermann, OLA, who is celebrating sixty years of religious life after having served in Chad, Côte d’Ivoire and France, said she was deeply touched by this stage in Lille.

“I have already been to La Treille several times, but many people are unaware that Father Planque has left his mark here. Fortunately, we have returned today so that his memory remains alive in the diocese of Lille. »

She was also pleased to see several generations of missionaries reunited.

“I very much enjoyed seeing the Fathers and Sisters, both young and old, celebrate this great feast together. Father Planque must be happy up there with Bishop Marion Brésillac. »

At 80 years old, she confides that she is experiencing this celebration as a new beginning.

“I just turned 80, and I feel like I’m living a new life.”

A seed for the future

When they leave Notre-Dame de la Treille, pilgrims take with them much more than the memory of a historic place. They leave with the conviction that, as Father Romuald Carton recalled, God continues to sow his Word in the hearts of men and women even today.

Following the example of Father Augustin Planque, whose life was entirely devoted to the proclamation of the Gospel and to the formation of missionaries, everyone is invited to become that fertile ground where the Word can bear fruit “for more life, more joy, more love and more fraternity”.