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

Contemplative Orders Contemplative Orders 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 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 in 1796 in the Ardèche Region of France

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

Marie was born on December 19, 1768 Marie is born on December 19, 1768

Little Marie falls off a high bed and hurts her hip severely Little Marie falls off a high bed and becomes an invalid.

Mrs. Rivier brings Marie to the Pieta and begs for healing Every day Mrs. Rivier Brings her little girl to the village church to beg the Blessed Mother to heal her little girl. Marie remains there and inspired by her mother’s faith, prays and makes promises to our Lady.

Promising to bring her flowers, a dress, and a hat 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 But 4 years went by and still the Riviers pray for a healing. Little Marie has now changed her promise.

Finally during Marie’s father’s funeral she asks for her crutches Finally during Marie’s father’s funeral she asks for her crutches and the long awaited miracle happens.

Marie is soon off to church to keep her promise Now to fulfill her promise to Mary, Marie proceeds to church.

She begins her teaching, gathering her friends in her backyard During the day Marie would gather the neighborhood children and speak to them of God and of Mary and all would listen very attentively.

Marie had a desire to pray always As she was growing up one of her deepest desires was to become like the hermits her mother would speak about. So Now that she could walk—it was time to go to a lonely place to pray.

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 At the Age of 18, everyone in Montpezat loved and admired Marie Rivier. Everybody was her friend. 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 Now it was time to begin to fulfill her promise to Our Lady made when she was very little. 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 Soon plans were made and a school was assembled, and children came from far and wide to Miss Rivier’s school.

She encouraged the students to honor Mary She kept her promise and spoke often of the Blessed Virgin and encouraged the students to honor Mary.

Though her school was poor, she never refused to give to the poor Though her school was poor, she never refused to give to the poor—even giving her own dinner.

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

The French Revolution had begun As years went by, things were getting difficult. Government officials were not letting the people pray as they wanted. The French Revolution had begun.

God began calling her to another village God began calling her to another village. Marie hated to leave Monpezat. What would happen to her in Thueyts? What would happen to her dear mother? So many questions filled her mind. As always, she trusted in God and all turned out right.

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

4 young women gave themselves to God On November 21, 1796, 4 young women gave themselves to God and to Mary On November 21, 1796, 4 young women gave themselves to God and to Mary. Together they promised to love and to serve God every day of their lives and to spend their time teaching children. This was the beginning of the Sisters of Presentation of Mary.

Many times food was scarce but Mother Rivier always prayed and trusted Many times food was scarce but Mother Rivier always prayed and trusted God would take care of her family. Neighbors would share their food, strangers came to give donations and there were times when real miracles would happen. Once it was time to do some baking and there was no cooking oil left. After having washed the container very well, the sisters discovered it full to the brim.

The story of the red shoes Even after their death, she fulfilled their desires. Once having discovered that one of her dying orphans desired red shoes, she immediately asked Sr. Madeleine to get some, but the little girl died before she received them shoes. So, Mother Rivier had the little girl buried with them.

Mother Rivier’s great love of the children in her care Mother Rivier’s greatest love was for the orphans that she took care of.

of Blessed Anne Marie Rivier Beatification of Blessed Anne Marie Rivier May 23, 1982 Beatification May 23, 1982

Foundations Outside of France 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 “My daughters will one day cross the seas!" “My daughters will one day cross the seas!"

Charism 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 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 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 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 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 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.