Part 7: Time to move on… After the official “Clothing” Ceremony in December 1824, the early sisters continued their life in Cerdon and others continued to join them, attracted by their life of simplicity, care of others and deep love of God. Somehow they managed in very cramped quarters. But there were other difficulties. The families of many of them lived close by and sometimes interfered, like the Rougemont boys who delighted in playing music right outside the house when the sisters were at prayer.

By June 1825, the group of sisters had grown to 13. At this time the Fathers Colin were preparing to leave Cerdon and move to the larger town of Belley. The Bishop thought it a good idea for the sisters to go to Belley too. He offered them a place to stay, explaining there was some land he could sell them. Father Jean-Claude Colin made a visit to Belley to consider the proposal. On his return he reported that he agreed with the plan for the sisters to make the move. An opportunity…

Preparing to depart So the preparations and the good-byes began… It was a sad parting for the Marist sisters as they left the place where they had made their true beginning. As for the people of Cerdon, they could not hold back their sadness and tears. The families of the young novices wanted to help carry their luggage, which consisted only of beds and linen and was loaded on to carts. In order to avoid a last flood of tears the travellers left at midnight.

They walked the whole way. And the rain poured down. It never stopped. From time to time they took turns in riding on top of the carts. This did not shelter them from the rain but at least they had a little rest. It took a whole day and a half, staying overnight in a village along the way. In spite of the tough conditions, there was never a happier group. A difficult journey…

Part 8 of the Jeanne-Marie Chavoin Story will be published in February When they arrived in Belley they felt as if they were in a foreign country because they knew no one except the Bishop, and the buildings at Bon Repos needed lots of repair. But awaiting them were bread, butter, cheese, oil, vinegar and candles and the little group soon got busy making a space to sleep. Aware that they had left everything familiar for the sake of doing something for God, they were filled with joy. Rejoicing in God