Part 11: Clouds darken During the 1840’s it became clear that founder and foundress had markedly different views on the way the Marist Sisters should exercise their mission. Fr Colin’s temperament and experience led him to a vision of a monastic life-style for women religious, complete with the restriction of cloister. He saw them largely as the prayer force for the mission of the Marist Fathers. Whereas, Mother St Joseph had other ideas. With her outgoing personality and from her Coutouvre upbringing she saw beyond the customs of the day. She envisaged a group of women, mingling daily with the local people, sharing their sorrows and joys, responding to their needs, being present to them as Mary would have been in the village of Nazareth.

..even from within.. Around the same time a new breed of young women was joining the Sisters. They were prayerful and well-educated. After a little time it became clear that some were more inclined to the kind of religious life Fr Colin had in mind for women – more restricted to life within the convent walls, more dedicated to a monastic prayer style, more lady-like and refined. They became somewhat critical of the foundress’ ways and ideas and found in Fr Colin a ready ear. Over some time, communication between founder and foundress became very strained. They differed radically in their vision for the Marist Sisters and were not able to reach an understanding.

At the foot of the Cross… For Jeanne-Marie Chavoin, this was a time of pain. As advised by her old director, Fr Lefranc, she simply did whatever she could, praying with Mary at the Cross. Finally, the situation came to a head and, on 30 April 1853, at an assembly of the entire group, another sister was elected as Leader. Fr Colin wrote to Mother St Joseph the next day: He praised her for her humility assuring her of his devotedness towards her, and recalled her many kindnesses over the years. Then he went on to explain that it would be in the best interests of everyone if she left Bon Repos to take on the care of the sisters’ house at nearby Meximieux. He was probably right, but this was the hardest moment of all for Jeanne-Marie. “I feel more than ever ready to do all in my power for your happiness and peace… - Colin. Superior ”

Jeanne-Marie learned to surrender So, Mother St Joseph surrendered everything to God – as Mary did throughout her earthly life. Bon Repos was the cradle of the congregation and had been the foundress’ home for 28 years. Some time before her departure she had made plans to have a proper chapel built – she left before its completion. Meximieux was a much smaller town than Belley. For a person of Mother St Joseph’s personality and experience, there was very little to do and the situation was painful for her and probably for others around her. Furthermore, news from Bon Repos would have given her little joy, as the congregation was taking a different path from the one she believed had been traced by Mary all those years ago…

Part 12 of the Jeanne-Marie Chavoin Story will be published soon On 20 th July 1853, in a letter to Mother Elizabeth, the foundress wrote: As for me, I assure you that I see now how difficult it is, when in charge of a house, to keep one’s heart and mind united to Our Lord and detached from everything else… There is much to do to watch over ourselves and over those confided to our care, in order that we may not be led astray… But, I am very fond of the words of St Paul: I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” Yes, Jeanne-Marie Chavoin, like Mary, knew where to put her trust. She too believed in the promises made her by the Lord and before long His Light pierced the darkness around her… and she was strengthened