FIRST MEETING OF LIAISONS

The first meeting of the Bordeaux Project Liaisons took place on January 13 – 17, 2011 in Valle de Bravo (Mexico).  There were 17 participants: members of the General Team and the Coordinating Committee, Liaisons from various provinces and other religious whose participation was felt to be opportune.

At the meeting we reflected and addressed the following objectives:

1. Share the development of the Bordeaux Project from its beginnings up to the present moment, thus gaining greater insight of its importance and sharing the resonances the Bordeaux Project is having in each context: expectations, demands, suggestions….
2. Complete the final draft of “The Common Educational Project of the Company of Mary” Keeping in mind the suggestions from the Provinces.
3. Share the 400 anniversary celebration of the Feast of the Child Mary in each region.
4. Presentation of the “A draft plan of the Formation program for Company of Mary educators,” and decide on how to continue preparing it.
5. Present the “Resource Center” and continue working towards its implementation.
6. Information regarding the most important aspects of Art, Humanism and Spirituality.
7. Put the program into effect up to the General Assembly, July 2012.
8. Study the functions of the Province Liaisons and the specific ways to fulfill these functions.

These were very richly productive and interesting days due to the efficiency of the work, the sisterly environment and the possibility to get to know the culture and some of the beautiful sites of Mexico.

 

 

 

 

Presentation of the Child Mary. 400th anniversary

The celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Feast of the Presentation of the Child Mary is an important event for all of us who form part of the Company of Mary.

As we bring to mind this tradition so deeply rooted in our history, we think of Mary Our Lady to whom Jeanne de Lestonnac “consecrated the students and placed them under her protection inviting them to imitate her in whatever way of life God called them”. Mary becomes an example and point of reference, the companion who stands beside us and teaches us how to be and live our lives.

If we ask ourselves what we learn from Mary, in terms of the unfaltering faith that makes possible the birth of God within her, we must recall her life in Nazareth, her village.  We do not find her placed on any pedestal; she speaks to us of a simple life, of acceptance and self-giving, of care and mutual help.  We see her as a good citizen and a faith-filled Jew who gives witness to her faith and celebrates its traditions. 

The Magnificat expresses how a woman views life with eyes wide open, and how she jubilantly celebrates the greatness of the Lord and His care for the lowliest.  Her song reveals her insights, commitments and hope.

If we follow her journey we encounter the Mary who knew how to interpret the events of her life, who knew how to ponder them in her heart and discover in them the signs of God’s will for her.  Her listening to reality, her listening to each person, to the Word and to her own inner life, empowered her to embrace the mystery within herself.

At the Wedding Feast of Cana we learn from her how to enjoy a feast, we learn about the good times that life has to offer, and how to be attentive to the needs of others.  She sees to it that everything is properly taken care of, and she knows how to do this without calling attention to herself, placing herself in the background.

 

It is easy to imagine her accompanying her Son, closely and from a distance, without fully understanding everything at times, but always trusting… As the first disciple of Jesus she shows us the path to follow.

At the foot of the cross, filled with pain and with strength, she verifies her absolute “yes”, her commitment until the end, and she opens the door to the future for the Church.

She, the most generous woman of all, invites us to live a life of authenticity and integrity.  To be “sealed” with Mary is to affirm that life is meaningful to the degree that it is open to others, in gratitude, forgiveness, seeking justice… and in striving to build a better future for all.

To celebrate the Feast of the Presentation today is to unite ourselves to all the persons who, throughout these 400 years, have experienced this feast as a sign of identity.  It is to express, once again, the commitment to follow Jesus, like Mary; to renew our faith and to know that we are in her company so that we may continue to extend our hand to others.

 

To celebrate the Feast of the Presentation is to acknowledge Mary as guardian of the educational work that Jeanne de Lestonnac wanted to offer for the good of society and that continues today in the mission carried out by the Company of Mary in different countries.

 

 

 

 

Circular to the Company of Mary by Beatriz Acosta Mesa, odn

Paintings by Arcabas

 

 

Sharing experiences 10

TODAY WE SHARE THE EVENT AS IT TOOK PLACE IN LOGROÑO IN THE RIOJA, SPAIN

 

Each year, in the Company of Mary School, “La Enseñanza”, in Logroño, we prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Child Mary.  This year, following the directives of the Bordeaux Project, we the teachers and students felt called to GIVE THANKS for all that we have at the present  time and everything we have received throughout our lives.

Our theme was: “Detach yourself and be free.” Mary lived her life in a spirit of detachment; her self-giving was lived out in embracing the Word of God and thus making herself an agent of life.   Saint Jeanne held Mary up as our model because she wanted us to learn from her.    We looked at Mary as presented in the Gospel text, Luke 1, 26–45.  And we prayed that she help us to be grateful for the gifts that God has given us, to help us share these gifts and to be bearers of the “Good News” for others.

 

Each class had different colored papers with the word “Thanks” was written in various languages.  On these papers we wrote our own prayer of Thanksgiving and offered them at the celebration of the Eucharist.

 

 

Before the celebration of Mass, all the teachers and students processed around the school.  We were able to share our joy with the parents, grandparents and alumni who joined us for the celebration of this feast.

 

The Feast of the Child Mary also served as a platform to introduce our solidarity Project.   Through the International Solidarity Foundation of the Company of Mary (FISC), we wish to collaborate in “the social reintegration of girls and women, victims of war and sexual violence” in the city of Bukavu (África). Throughout the year and with different activities, we wish to contribute in our small way.  For the feast the 4^th year students of ESO prepared “solidarity snacks.”

 

After the procession and the celebration of the Eucharist, we continued the festivities with different kinds of sports and entertainment activities such as plays, games, etc.

The underlying feeling that permeated the school was one of THANKSGIVING for all that had taken place.

 

REFLECTION ON THE THEME

This celebration helps us think about the importance of our gifts in order that we might responsibly share them with others:

 

• Are we aware of our personal and material gifts?  Are we aware of our responsibility to share them with others and that we must use them in the service of others?
• Does the celebration of this feast help us see the need to live in a spirit of solidarity?  How do we do this, in very specific ways?
• Share experiences of solidarity that take place in your surroundings.

 

 

 

Sharing experiences 9

TODAY WE SHARE THE EXPERIENCE THAT COMES TO US FROM THE CITY OF AGUASCALIENTES, MEXICO

Guadalupe Victoria School always celebrates the Feast of the Child Mary with the entire school community in  various planned activities.

This year, from the first day of November, the preparations began for the celebration of the feast.

The Child Mary was taken to each classroom and placed on an altar prepared by the students.  In this way they prayed to herzz and felt her presence as a friend and companion on life’s journey.

The statue of the Child Mary was also passed from one family home to another, inviting them to pray and render her simple homage in each child’s home.

Various forms of prose and drawings were created with the theme of the feast of the Child Mary… other art mediums and technological programs were used to express the same theme.

The young people prepared audiovisual presentations highlighting the virtues of the Child Mary that inspired them and gave greater meaning to their life.

A theatrical production open to the public presented the history of the celebration from its origins.

The Teacher Training School for Primary grades, as future educators, prepared a roundtable discussion on the values passed on to them by the Company of Mary and those which, through the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, they wished to incorporate into their in order to be agents of change in our society.

In the school chapel each class shared with Mary in a very personal way, their hopes, joys and needs; in our Mexican tradition we call this the ¨secret¨ we confide to Mary on this feast.

Following a school tradition, a raffle took place to determine who would crown the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This was a very  exciting moment.

Enthused by all the preparations, the feast was most solemnly celebrated on the 20th of November.  It began with a procession of all the school community: students, teachers, and parents.   

At the Eucharistic celebration the statue of Mary was presented by the pre-school children.  This was followed by the coronation of the Child Mary.  Afterwards everyone enjoyed delicious treats and different activities took place: games, cheers using phrases related to Mary; a talent show put on by the young people in honor of the Child Mary, etc.

At the end of the activities, a small remembrance of the day was distributed to all.

Once again, this celebration helps us be aware of the presence of Mary in our lives, as well as uniting ourselves to the universal Company of Mary where this tradition was celebrated in many different ways throughout the world.    It is truly a feast that roots us in a tradition that gives us a strong sense of identity.

School community of Guadalupe Victoria Institute.

Company of Mary.  Aguascalientes. Mexico.

REFLECTION GUIDE

The city of Aguascalientes is located in the center of Mexico.  It is known for its beautiful handwork in weaving and embroidery and its very friendly and welcoming people.  The climate is warm, as indicated by its name; and this applies not only to the people and water, but to its desert-like climate and scenery.   It is a city that, from the time of its founding, has been known as a bridge between the western and eastern regions, the states in the south with those of the north.  The Company of Mary has been here since 1807.   It was first known as Convento de María Santísima de Guadalupe y Enseñanza.  The original building was taken from the sisters during the religious persecution of 1926, and it is presently the Cultural Center of the city.   When it was once again possible, the community reestablished the school in a location near the first convent.  It remained here until 1985 when it was moved to the present site.  The “Instituto Guadalupe Victoria, Compañía de María”  has  550  students.

• All the expressions and symbols used in this celebration demonstrate how the tradition inherited from Saint Jeanne is vividly alive, while at the same time it is inculturated into this reality:  the “visit” of the statue of the Child Mary to the different classrooms and home s, confiding her with a “secret”…  What customs from your reality have marked your celebration of this feast?
• We also see the importance of reflecting on the ways of bringing into our lives the virtues lived by Mary and that through our particular characteristics and identity  help us contribute in a positive way to today’s society.  Let us share our experience regarding this point.

Sharing experiences 8

TODAY WE SHARE THE EXPERIENCE FROM LIMOGES IN FRANCE

The November 21^st celebration is rooted in the tradition of Beaupeyrat School in Limoges from its founding date in 1634.  For this reason, this year as in all past years, all the students from the Pre-school to the Primary grades participated in the festivities gathering in the Chapel to celebrate the Presentation of the Child Mary in the Temple.  During the celebration, the Directress presented these little ones to Mary and entrusted them to Mary’s care.

The celebration was prepared by the students.  The Pastor of the local parish always participates with great joy in this event so special to the Company of Mary.

Organized according to age levels it gave each group the opportunity to experience its meaning according to their capacity of understanding it in terms of their faith life.  We will give you a broad overview:

1. The 1^st and 2^nd grades on the elementary level sang  “Con María” to start off the celebration; this was following by singing the history of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple.   The Directress of the School retold the history and explained why Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac wished to celebrate this feast and the importance of continuing the tradition.  The Pastor shared further insights.

The children expressed themselves following the example of Our Lady by presenting flowers and candles.  They then read the three “universal prayers” that had been previously prepared by their respective teachers.  It concluded with the Hail Mary and a song.

2.-  The children from the Kindergarten and Pre-first grade began the celebration with the Hail Mary and they played the trumpet.  They recounted the story of Mary followed by a prayer recited to Mary by each class. Together they sang: The Lord has done wonders, Holy is His Name. The Directress once again recounted the history of this Feast and explained the reason for the tradition in Company of Mary schools.

The Pastor then presented each class with a candle and an image of Mary.  A final song concluded the celebration.

3.-  The 2 and 3 year olds from the Pre-school arrived to the church singing.  After the words of welcome, the Directress once again retells the origins of the celebration, and so once again we gather to speak of Mary.  The children placed their photos on a panel board that symbolized the “house that belongs to all” which is the school, relating it to Mary’s entrance into the Temple.   The Pastor then shared a few thoughts and the children said the following prayer:

Holy Virgin Mary, our Heavenly Mother,

we have come to tell you

that we place our trust in you.

We know that you love us.

That is why we know we can count on you.

You will know how to guide us and help us grow.

Thank you Mary for your love.

They processed from the Church singing.

All the students behaved extraordinarily well and were very attentive.   The oldest ones in the school knew the significance of this feast and the little ones seemed to capture the importance of this day.

DEEPENING OUR UNDERSTANDING:

The School at Limoges was founded in 1634.  Here, as in the other Company of Mary schools in France, the teachers are all lay people.  Although the sisters do not directly work in these educational centers, they remain in constant contact.

The celebration at the Limoges School highlights the importance of giving unity and meaning to traditions:  the origin, yesterday and today:  beginning the Gospel account on Mary as the fundamental origin, remembering Jeanne de Lestonnac, and the reason for commemorating this Feast from the beginnings of the Company– remembering the past in order to give meaning to the commitments of today…

• What is the meaning of continuing this tradition for us?
• Do we take care to make these three aspects, that are key to all traditions, present in our celebrations?

Reflect on these points.

Sharing experiences 7

TODAY WE SHARE ANOTHER EXPERIENCE SENT FROM SPAIN.  THIS ONE COMES FROM COLEGIO LESTONNAC, BADALONA, CATALUÑA

With the theme, “Fem cadena amb Maria” (“Making a chain with Mary”) in Colegio Lestonnac, Badalona we celebrated the past 20th of November the feast of the Presentation of Mary.

The celebration had a double objective: the participation of the entire school community  in this feast and becoming aware that, like Mary, we have certain qualities that make us special. So as to accomplish our goal we suggested making a chain where everyone would be respresented.  The celebration consisted in coming together in the school patio to connect the chain that had been previously prepared. A brief introduction on the origin of the feast and the person of Mary served as the opening words for the ritual of joining the “chain.”  It wasbeautiful to see how the school community, consisting of persons from different backgrounds, were UNITED  with MARY.

The activities took place together with the students, the teachers and supportive staff.

The children in the pre-school made flowers to offer Mary and each class created their chain with the name of each student.  They participated in a simple, but moving, celebration in the school chapel.

The students of the Primary grades focused their work on Mary.  Those in the first and second levels on the life of Mary and her qualities;  beginning with the  Power Point “Child Mary,”  they reflected on the virtues and attitudes of Mary.  Then they created a chain in each class with the name of each student and a quality (this was previously agreed upon with the whole group).  The third level worked on the meaning of the feast in the Company of Mary with the Power Point “Child Mary 21^st of November” and they, too, made their chain with the name of each student and a quality descriptive of each one.

In the ESO level, together with the meaning of the feast, the participated in a reflection using the  video      “Physically challenged kids running race”: What can you do to help people around you? In some classes the activity was held in English.  The result was expressed in the chain created by each group.  The group that worked in English were able to share their experience with Notre Dame School in Cobham, England.  Photos were shared on how the feast was celebrated in each school.  It was very enriching for all.

The teachers and supportive staff came together to participate in a similar dynamic, working in groups, in which they had to agree on a characteristic quality for each of the members.  This experience is worth repeating!

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION ON THE TOPIC

Two gestures stand out in this celebration:  create a chain and recognize the qualities of Mary and our own.

• Chains that unite:  the students among themselves, the different groups in the school, one school with another….  What gestures, signs, actions… speak of building unity and creating bonds in our reality?  How can we assure that these chains of unity can take place on a daily basis?
• Recognizing our personal gifts makes us aware of the responsibility we have to put them at the service of others.  How do we recognize our personal qualities and those of the people around us?  Will looking at Mary help me?
• Choose three people from those around you and share with them the most important qualities you see in them.

Sharing experiences 6

TODAY WE SHARE THE EXPERIENCE FROM THE UNITED STATES

The general goal set for this year was to develop materials that would prepare our students, teachers, and the adult members of our ministries with age appropriate activities for a prayerful and joyful celebration of the Child Mary.

In order to meet our goal we set our objectives:

- Student, teacher, adult catechesis concerning the feast of the Presentation of the Child Mary.

- Communication and invitation to the parents and the local community to join us for this  celebration.

- Preparation of the liturgy or a para-liturgical celebration.

The Child Mary Celebration

The Feast of the Child Mary was celebrated with enthusiasm on Friday, November 20^th.  The typical celebration always includes the preparation of a para-liturgy.  This para-liturgical celebration always consists of a procession with the Child Mary being brought to a place of honor by representatives of the different grades attending.  Songs accompany the procession and an act of consecration is made. Then each class sings a song, a poem,or a prayer they have prepared.

In each school there are local customs that are incorporated into the ceremony.

In Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School Tustin,

the Child Mary statue was placed on a special table in the front, below her was a large box constructed like a baby carriage. This baby carriage held the gifts of the children.  Instead of bringing flowers, the children bring baby clothes, baby blankets, baby car seats, baby toys, etc. to be given to Mercy House, a home for unwed mothers. At the end of the ceremony each preschool and kindergarten child received a holy card of the Child Mary.

At Saint Anne School

in Santa Ana, the second grade students prepared a special liturgy in which all of the students participated.

At our three preschools, Lestonnac Preschool and Kindergarten in Douglas, Arizona and in Los Angeles, Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Preschool and Kindergarten and Divine Providence Preschool and Kindergarten, the students held their procession and sang songs in honor of the Child Mary.  Divine Providence’s students also brought in baby items that were donated to Saint Anne’s Shelter, a family crises center.

Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School – Temecula

started the day by inviting the school parents to come and view the DVD on the “Story of the Child Mary.”  After the showing the para-liturgy begun with the students from preschool through third grade forming the court of honor for the procession.  The students in fourth through eighth participated in the congregation.  The Child Mary was carried on a wagon surround by many stuffed animals that the students had brought.  At the end of the ceremony all were invited to a breakfast snack that was shared by students and parents alike.  All the stuffed animals were donated to the Temecula Justice Center where they will be distributed to children in crises.

Viña de Lestonnac Ministry Center

celebrated the Child Mary with a Mass at which the local community was invited.

The preschool children from La Purisima School

celebrated the Feast of the Child Mary in the tradition of all Company of Mary Schools. Parents and friends joined us as the children, dressed in their finest clothes, processed into our school hall to offer gifts to Mary. This year instead of bringing flowers to offer Child Mary, the children brought baby gifts that were sent to soldiers so they could in turn give them to their babies for Christmas.  These gifts were offered in the name of our  ‘”Child Mary”.The children sang “Oh Beautiful Child Mary” and ” Sing a Simple Song to Mary”, they received a special blessing from Deacon Tony Bube.

As a province, we are eagerly looking forward to our 400^th anniversary celebration in 2010.  We feel that with the tradition that we have set and with the preparation that we have done this year we will be ready for a wonderful celebration.

The materials prepared and distributed to all ministries were the following:

1. Adults

1. DVD “The Story of the Child Mary”
2. A sample letter explaining the feast day which could be emailed to each family.
3. A sample copy of the Handout given the day of the ceremony.

2. Preschool and Pre-kindergarten

a. Coloring pages

b. Story book

3. Kindergarten -Fifth Grade

a. Power Point story of the Child Mary

b. Coloring pages

c. Story and prayer page

4. Junior High

a. Prepared Lesson Plan

REFLECTION ON THE THEME

The Province of the United States was founded in 1926 with the first house in Douglas, Arizona.  It carries out the mission of educations in private and parish schools in various locations, as well as in retreat centers, residences and other diocesan ministries.

• The experiences shared with us from the United States invite us to reflect on the importance of integrating tradition with openness to the new…  What is particular to each place with the common elements… How do we integrate the traditions in history with the present day reality?
• The sharing with others, taking gifts instead of flowers to the Child Mary is a way of helping children grow in their awareness of the fact that the faith needs to lead to specific actions for the good of others.  Let us reflect on this point.

IN DEPTH STUDY OF THE GENERAL CHAPTER DOCUMENT 2009

The conference, “In depth study of the General Chapter Document, 2009” took place in Bordeaux, France on April 17 – 19, 2010.  The “Bordeaux Project,” organized and promoted the conference with the desire to respond to the stated goal: to deepen in the roots that connect us to the spirit of Jeanne de Lestonnac and allow the rich sap that it contains to creatively flow and expand as the common project, which is the Company of Mary, is fulfilled.

Every General Chapter is a call to renew the charism, to connect the tradition that shapes us with the challenges present in each historical moment; from these two prongs emerge the future directives that should guide us in the coming six years.

The Chapter Document gives evidence of the present moment in the Company and indicates thedirection towards which we must continue to journey.  The in depth study and reflection by religious and laity from different the perspectives: biblical, Marian, Ignatian spirituality, historical, human rights and psychology, has greatly increased its depth.

A DVD has been prepared with the proceedings and content of the conference. It contains audio recordings and transcripts of the conferences.  The various countries will soon be receiving it. Our wish is that it be a means through which the reflection can be shared and enriched by the unique contributions in each reality.  May these contributions be a help to delve deeply into the profound content of the Chapter Document, to unravel its richness, its inspiring force, helping us to take ownership of the convictions so as to make them a reality in our daily lives and to continue sharing, with our fragile and complex world, a sense of meaning and humanity.

We wish to thank each and every speaker and all the people who collaborated in making this material available.

Sharing experiences 5

TODAY WE SHARE AN EXPERIENCE FROM ASIA, FROM JAPAN

November 18, 2009. Having rained heavily on the previous day, we were afraid of what the weather would be like on the very day of the celebration.  However, we were pleasantly surprised with a sunny day.  And in spite of the fact that this is the season for colds, the Feast of the Child Mary was celebrated in the sisters’ chapel at Izumi convent for the first time by 20 two year olds and their mothers.

Joined by their mothers, the children sang, prayed and offered flowers to the Child Mary.  They were later treated to delicious pastries.

For these little ones, as well as for their mothers, a precious experience was engraved in their hearts with what took place at Lestonnac Oyako Room.  This will be a memory that will help them in their future lives.

November 20, 2009.  Having also rained heavily on the eve of the feast, we were once again blessed with a splendid shining sun on the actual day.   The celebration of the Child Mary for the students from Lestonnac Kindergarten and parents took place in the parish church at Matsubara.  In each class “promises” were made to Mary during the week prior to the feast: not to argue, be friendly, eat everything on my plate…   These were expressed in a variety of ways: on posters, paper flower bouquets,  and some wrote letters to Mary.  With the resource material provided from Bordeaux, the mothers and teachers also reflected on the meaning of this feast.   The procession took place in the parish parking lot with four of the older children carrying the platform that held the statue of the Child Mary.  Some of the younger children held the ribbons attached to the platform and others carried flowers while singing to Mary.   The pastor, Father Harunoko, an Indonesian, welcomed the procession and accompanied the ceremony. Each child together his/her father and mother, offered a flower as a symbol of their heart.  They sang and prayed with great fervor.  After the children left the church the pastor spoke to the parents regarding the importance of education.  At the end of the celebration the children received special candies specially given to children 7, 5 or 3 years of age at this time of year.    This Japanese children’s festival is called SHICHI (seven), GO (five), SAN (three).

May Mary bless all the children of the world!

REFLECTION ON THE THEME

On November 15 parents in Japan take their 3 or 7 year old girls and 5 year old boys to a Shinto temple.   There they pray for them, for their future and express their gratitude to God.  In Japanese this feast is called “SHICHI, GO, SAN” (7, 5 and 3).  The feast began in the Edo period in 1700.   The children are dressed in festive kimonos and receive special bags filled with special large candies.    In the Company of Mary kindergartens the parents celebrate this feast in the parish instead of going to a Shinto temple.  It is celebrated together with the Feast of the Presentation of the Child Mary and the parents take part in the children’s procession.  In a spirit of peace and joy the children pray and express their gratitude to God, taking advantage of this occasion to receive the priest’s blessing.

The Company of Mary has been in Asia since 1959.  There are presently 3 communities in Japan and 3 in the Philippines.   The sisters carry out their mission in a variety of ministries: preschools and kindergartens, residences for university and working students, catechetical programs for children and adults in parishes, residences, and schools,   coordinating volunteer programs, and teaching in schools and universities.  The experience we have shared with you here takes place in our two preschool/kindergartens.

• This experience of two year old children together with their mothers invites us to reflect on the role of the family in the religious formation of their children, and the importance of participating in the early years in celebrations that leave an indelible mark which in time will not only take on greater meaning but be a source of meaning.  How can we promote this experience in the different places where the Company of Mary is present?
• How can these “promises” to Mary be meaningful as a way of becoming more aware that the faith leads us to shape our lives in particular way?
• This experience invites us to reflect on ways of uniting the cultural traditions in each place with those that identify us as universal Company of Mary.  Share your thoughts regarding this point.

Sharing experiences 4

THE EXPERIENCE WE SHARE TODAY IS FROM “LA ENSEÑANZA” SCHOOL IN BOGOTA, COLOMBIA.

With much enthusiasm and joy we prepared to celebrate the Feast of the CHILD MARY in our school.   Since we are celebrating the 400^th anniversary of this feast we wanted to have the universal Company of Mary present in our celebration.  We wanted to go beyond the borders of our own school and open our hearts to embrace the four continents where the Company is present.

Everything was prepared for the great feast:  the statue of the Child Mary on a platform adorned with flowers and 15 ribbons representing each of the grades in the school, two for the teachers who have been in the school the longest.

Each of the students representing their grade was previously selected.  The Kindergarten and pre-school children walked in procession carrying a candle accompanied by a student who represented Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac, as well as other children dressed in costumes typical of each of the continents.

The day finally arrived, and all the school excitedly awaited the solemn entrance of the Child Mary.  Four students from year 11, those who had been in school the longest, carried on their shoulders the platform bearing the statue of the Child Mary, while others formed an honor guard.

The choir sang to Mary.  Four flags were located in the center of the gymnasium: France, Colombia, Japan and Africa.

At the offertory all the students were given a candle and the girls representing each of the continents lit their candles from the large candle representing Saint Jeanne, lighting the candles of the entire assembly.

The Consecration prayer to the Virgin Mary was recited, and then one of the students read a prayer of consecration written many years ago by Sister Alicia Maria de Velasco a sister from Mexico now passed on:

Holy Mother Mary of little children,

be a companion to adolescents,

strength for young people,

our hope as we grow.

Listen to our prayer today,

teach us fidelity to God,

the joy of serving others,

the peace of those who live with authenticity and simplicity.

Increase our faith in God, strengthen our weakness,

make us faithful friends,

help us to love God and our brothers and sisters with all our hearts, with all our soul, with all our strength.  Amen.

At the offertory of the Mass two banners were presented, that of the Company of Mary and of Colombia, as well as goods that had been collected for the needy.

The celebration of the Eucharist continued, filling all of us with enthusiasm and the desire to continue deepening our understanding of the life of Mary. We thus begin a new School Year, 2010 journeying each month to the Sanctuaries of our Lady, growing in our knowledge of her and trying to imitate her virtues in our lives.

FOR A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING

The Company of Mary School, “La Enseñanza,” in the city of Bogota was founded by a lay woman, Doña Clemencia de Caycedo y Vélez in 1783.  It was the first school for the education of girls and young women in Colombia.  On April 23 we will celebrate 227 years since its establishment.

• The flags and costumes representing the four continents in which the Company of Mary is present were some of the symbols used in the celebration.  How do we live interculturality in our countries of origin, and openness to the universality of the Company of Mary?
• What meaning is there to the lit candles during the offertory?
• Write a prayer of consecration to Mary from your own experience and share it on the Bordeaux Project Blog.
• Do you know the various Sanctuaries and their histories located in your country or regions dedicated to the Virgin Mary?