At our most recent Regional Council meeting (November 12, 2010) we set aside two hours for a discussion of the lay/religious alliance in the US region. Joining the Council for the discussion were a number of people who have been active in promoting this cause that was so close to the heart of Fr. d’Alzon and has been gaining momentum throughout the congregation: Sister Clare Bertero, Tomasz Kierul, Tomasz  Jaster, Fr. Roger Corriveau, Joe Pagano, and Fr. Oliver Blanchette. The conversation was situated between two important events:  the address of our Superior General, Fr. Richard Lamoureux, at the August gathering of lay friends in Worcester and the upcoming Provincial and General Chapters, both of which will again include the participation of lay associates.

From the very beginning Fr. d’Alzon associated religious and lay people together in an exciting evangelical journey, both marked by the Assumptionist spirit, depending on their respective vocation. The association religious- lay, is an old story at Assumption.

According to the different historical moments, it took different forms. Active collaboration took place in common apostolic endeavors, whether the Catholic Press or pilgrimages at times supplanted the spirit. But long before Vatican II, lay people did not want to be, any more than today, simply executors of the tasks determined by the “Fathers” in spite of a real admiration and unfailing loyalty to them. Initiatives never rested solely with the religious, as if lay people could be but subordinates. But it is true that sharing, in fundamental matters, was not frequent and that many lay people felt “inferior” to the “religious priests.”

To our lay brothers and sisters in the Assumption

In a few days we will be committing ourselves as Lay Assumption of the French Province. We have edited a “path of life” to guide us in our life as baptized Christians.  We are 20 who have journeyed for several years at the heart of the works of the Assumption and most of us in close link with a community.

The Engagement Ceremony will take place this coming November 20 at Valpré at the occasion of the closure of the Provincial Chapter.  You can imagine that, as Fr. Benoît Grière, our Provincial says, “This commitment is not insignificant. It involves the Province of France and also the entire Congregation.  It is the recognition of your whole and entire position in the mission of the Assumption side by side with the Religious”.

We count on your prayers.  Be assured that we, on our part, will think of and pray for you so that the Assumption composed of religious and laity may radiate with a fraternal love that knows no boundaries.

Fraternally yours,

Michèle Drouadaine, Monique Dumont, Vincent and Bénédicte Fauvel, Paul and Corinne Filippi, Patrice and Marie-Pierre Girard, Monique Hue, Bernard and Martine Klaeyle, Yvon Leroux, Léon and Marie-Claire Nicollay, Gérard and Jeanne Palombieri, Jacques Tournecuillert, Jeff and Marie-Ange Tremblay, and Catherine Voyant.

Assumption Lay People Presentation
- by Fr. Richard Lamoureux, A.A.

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