Contemplative Orders Apostolic Orders Contemplatives in Action History

Contemplative Orders Apostolic Orders Contemplatives in Action History of Presentation of Mary Foundations Charism Spirituality Prayer Life Community Life

Contemplative Orders Contemplative In the context of consecrated religious life, contemplative religious are those who have as a priority to pray for the needs of others, the world, and the entire Church. A nun is a woman who lives as a contemplative life in a monastery which is usually cloistered (or enclosed) or semi-cloistered. Her ministry and prayer life is centered within and around the monastery for the good of the world.

Apostolic Orders In the context of consecrated religious life, apostolic religious communities are engaged for the most part in active ministries. While prayer and community life are important to them, their members serve in a variety of ways: teaching, parish ministry, health care, social work, care for the elderly, work with young people, service to the poor, and many others. A sister is a woman who lives, ministers, and prays within the world. A sister's life is often called "active" or "apostolic" because she is engaged in the works of mercy and other ministries that take the Gospel to others.

Contemplatives in Action Engaging closely with God over time, we allow the Spirit to transform us into people who are more like the images of God we are created to be—that is, more like Jesus.

Founded 1796 ininthe Founded in in 1796 Ardèche France Ardèche Region ofof. France

The Little Star of The of. Montpezat Blessed Anne Marie Rivier Foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary

Marie was born on December 19, 1768

Little Marie falls off a high bed and hurts her hip severely

Mrs. Rivier brings Marie to the Pieta and begs for healing

During the next 4 years, every morning Marie spends time with the Lady behind the altar Promising to bring her flowers, a dress, and a hat

Finally during Marie’s father’s funeral she asks for her crutches

Marie is soon off to church to keep her promise

She begins her teaching, gathering her friends in her backyard

Marie had a desire to pray always

One of the greatest day of her life was her first communion day

At the Age of 18, everyone in Montpezat loved and admired Marie Rivier

She had promised to bring little children to Mary and to teach them to love Jesus

Children came from far and wide to Miss Rivier’s school

She encouraged the students to honor Mary

Though her school was poor, she never refused to give to the poor

Even giving her own soup Miraculously enough, the soup given was returned by the angels

The French Revolution had begun

God began calling her to another village

Her work was growing in Thueyts and she needed helpers to help her in doing God’s work

On November 21, 1796, 4 young women gave themselves to God and to Mary

Many times food was scarce but Mother Rivier always prayed and trusted

The story of the red shoes

Mother Rivier’s great love of the children in her care

Beatification of Blessed Anne Marie Rivier May 23, 1982

My daughters will one day cross the seas!" Switzerland-1841 Canada-1853 United States- 1873 England-1896 Spain-1902 Italy-1904 Madeira Islands -1925 Portugal- 1938 Mozambique -1941 Japan- 1948 Philippines -1950 Senegal Africa – 1952 Ireland -1963 Peru - 1963 The Gambia Africa - 1968 Brazil - 1986 Cameroon Africa -1989 Burkina Faso Africa- 2008 Ghana Africa-2015 ““ Foundations Outside of France

Charism By the example of the Virgin Mary presented in the Temple, we are called to live in a spirit of adoration and offering and to participate in the teaching mission of the Church, by the Christian education of youth, with a special attention to the poorest. Our charism which forms the framework of the building of the Temple has three main portals: spiritual life, community life and mission.

Spirituality The spirituality of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary is based on the spirit of JESUS CHRIST: • To know JESUS CHRIST in the Gospel • To live JESUS CHRIST in his mysteries • To reveal and teach JESUS CHRIST by our whole life

Spirituality Two mysteries captured the heart of Marie Rivier, our Foundress, and inspired the spirituality which she transmitted to her daughters: the mystery of the Temple or the presence of God and the mystery of the oblation of Christ and of his mother.

Mission Faithful to the intentions of our Foundress, Blessed Marie Rivier the “ Woman Apostle” : we participate in the teaching mission of the Church, by the Christian education of youth; we prefer going to the little ones and the poor, those that Christ loved in a special way. His compassion urges us to be especially attentive to the most marginalized persons in our society.

Prayer Life At the heart of our existence is the mystery of our relationship with God, the mystery of prayer. In this inexpressible relationship of faith is to be found all the meaning of our consecration; in it is accomplished our essential mission in the Church: the service and praise of God. Prayer is the joy of our life, the secret of its fullness and fruitfulness.

Community Life Gathered together by the Holy Spirit through faith in the risen Christ we live, at the heart of the Church, in fraternal communities. Together, we are invited by Christ to listen to His Word, to share our faith, to participate in our mission and to help each other live the Gospel and the exigencies of our consecration, in thanksgiving, sharing and service.

Illustrations and information taken from: NRVC Publications The Little Star of Montpezat written by Sr. Patricia Brochu, p. m. Coloring book created by Sr. Laurette Roy, p. m.