The pilgrimage to the Sources of twenty African sisters, scheduled from August 2 to 28, 2026, had to be canceled. Is that a disappointment? Yes, because it required a long period of preparation. In reality, for the past two years, financial, material, and human investments have been directed toward this important event. Is it a failure? No, because every pilgrimage is first and foremost an inner journey before being a step on a geographical space.
As for me, I chose to live the pilgrimage differently, by going to meet 4 communities in France: Briouze (August 5-8); Saint-Claude (August 10-13); Brest (August 14-18); Kerlys (August 18-22); and the 100th anniversary of the Ile Blanche (August 22-23)
In my journey, I found everywhere “houses of charity”; I saw sisters praying, joyful, attentive to each other, close to the most fragile. “When our strength diminishes, it is given us, beyond suffering, to abandon ourselves more deeply to the loving presence of the Spirit” (R.V. art 11). Even when old or sick, they continue to be used.
In Briouze, I was particularly marked by the daily prayer of the middle of the day and the presence among the residents of the Elhad ‘Notre Dame’, with whom the sisters share the prayer of vespers and the early Mass on Sunday. For me, it is a beautiful testimony of faith, a source of life, comfort for residents and even healthcare staff.
My pilgrimage in Normandy, in the Jura, in Finistère and the Côtes d’Armor was rich in discoveries, encounters, wonders and friendly sharing with all categories of people (FSE Religious, Lay consecrated, Associates, Parishioners, Neighbors…)
I experienced deeply the unique beauty of every sister, every community, every creature. I became more aware of the diverse expressions of a charism, according to each person’s sacred history.
The journey ended on 23 August with the celebration of the centenary of the presence of the FSE at Ile Blanche, another moment of great joy, in an intercultural and intergenerational diversity, rich in encounters and exchanges. Centennial that evokes in me, the White Island as a “place-source”, a place that has watered the research of young people in search of a project of religious life. It is the fruit of those who have transmitted to us the charism and without them, we African sisters would not be here today!
L’Île Blanche continues to bring us together, to recharge our batteries even today when we need to reflect, decide, and pray together as a Congregation.
For me, the celebration of the one hundred years of the White Island: – it is to thank God for having made the charism of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit flourish in African land, – it is to express my deep gratitude to all the missionary sisters who have traveled so far for us to carry the GOSPEL, to bring us the flame of Marie BALAVENNE and Renée BUREL; – this is the heritage enriched by Charlotte DELAUNAY and GUY DE MONTPELLIER! And I do not forget those who gave their lives on African soil in the name of this flame.
And finally, it is to let me question: If the legacy of Marie Balavenne, Renée Burel and all our other predecessors is a heritage composed of the colors of humility, gentleness, simplicity, adoration, service, apostolic boldness, fraternal charity… Does this sap still flow within me? In every HES today? Does this flame of love and charity, the flame of our beginnings, still burn within me?
Judith MBOUNGHOUL, HES, General Community. Rennes. FRANCE. Published on August 30, 2026
- “ what we have seen and heard, we announce to you also, so that you too may be in communion with us.” 1 John 1, 3
