THE FIRST STEPS Elisabeth Turgeon finally answered the appeal of the Bishop or Rimouski, April 3, 1875. She was welcomed in the "Martin" house as a light and a source of hope. She is the person that Bishop Jean Langevin, wanted to educate the children of his large diocese; she had experience and had been a success in teaching, her reputation was that of a pious and dedicated woman. A short time later a prophetic sign gave direction to the real mission, wished by God, but which was taking root rather slowly. May 6, Elisabeth received a letter from Father Winter, pastor of the parish of Rimouski, asking if she would Three children confided to the Sisters of the Little Schools because they were poor and not prepared as the other children; however, there must have been others of age to receive communion in Rimouski that spring. These poor children were no different from others Elisabeth had met in Quebec; she knew how to receive them and open their hearts. She saw Jesus knocking at her door, because in the poorest it is He who comes. To lead them gently to meet One who enriches others, was her desire, it is what she would do, what she taught as a mission of priority to the others who would soon join her. This year the evangelization proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI is a recall to the first letter: Daughters of Elisabeth, friends of Elisabeth, who are the three poor children who await us? The children who no longer hear the message of Jesus? The persons who are excluded from the Eucharistic Table? Those who are deaf to the Word that could guide their life? Perhaps they are waiting for true witnesses, who are enthusiastic, profoundly believing, as was the first catechist who received the three poor children, to change "their hearts of stone to hearts of flesh"? It will be a great year if we discover in the bottom of our hearts, our way, whichever be the conditions, to lead "three children" to the Eucharist! Jacqueline Beaulieu, r.s.r.
2013-01-05
"... prepare three poor children for their First Communion"