Every year, on 27 October, we celebrate the birthday of our Founder, Pierre-Bienvenu Noailles. It is not just a day to remember and celebrate, but an invitation to look at the dream that God planted in his heart and ask ourselves: How is that dream bearing fruit through us today?
Every great tree begins as a tiny seed. When our Founder began his mission in Bordeaux in 1820, he could not have imagined how far that dream would reach. Nurtured by faith, prayer and trust in God, the seed grew into a tree with many branches. Today, across countries and cultures, the Family of Pierre-Bienvenu Noailles continues to flourish. Yet the true beauty of a tree lies not only in its branches, but in the fruits it offers to others.
The Dream Continues Through Us
Our Founder's dream is not simply a memory of the past; it is a living mission entrusted to us. As our next General Chapter theme reminds us, “Our Charism Is Life - We Are the Bearers.” We are called to make this charism visible through our lives and to share its joy and hope with the world.
How can we do this? It begins with ordinary gestures of love: welcoming a stranger, accepting different cultures, listening to someone who feels lonely, reaching out to a person in need or bringing peace to a difficult situation etc. Through these simple actions, we strengthen communion and allow our Charism to become a source of life for others.
As we prepare for our next General Chapter 2027, let us reflect: How are we radiating this joy and hope to the world? The future of the tree planted by our Founder depends on how we nurture it today. Each of us, whatever our vocation or place of mission, has a part to play in helping the tree to grow and bear fruit in our context.
May we keep this seed alive in our hearts, nurture it through our communion and share its fruits through our loving service. Then, wherever we are, our Founder's dream will continue to grow - not only in the lives of our Family, but also in the hearts of those who encounter us.
As we celebrate his 233rd birthday today, my wish for each one of you re-echoes the words of our Founder: “Go Forward, there is nothing now to check your course”
Sr. Mercy Rani JEBAMALAI
Generalate Local Community, Rome