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Last June’s flood damaged the ceiling and walls of the Community Room. This made it necessary to repair the leaks and to paint and re-paper the room. For 7 days, Philippe and his apprentice, Enzo, worked diligently to produce a beautiful result. The nature-oriented theme of the room provides a warm, bright, and welcoming feel. We look forward to the days when we can share this room with you.

Here is a collage of our celebrations

We are mindful that across the globe, many will be mourning loved ones lost to COVID–19 and many will be without family and friends, due to COVID–19 restrictions. This Christmas, many hundreds of thousands will be homeless, without food, shelter, comfort and safety, due to devastating natural disasters, warfare, political injustice and unrest. We hope that the video and music resources below will offer some comfort, real hope and a spark of joy. More than that, we pray that these resources will make a world of difference, in as much as they might draw people into the warm loving presence of Emmanuel, God who is with us, in and through it all.

The Advent cry from the Prophet Isaiah holds new meaning for our times and greater urgency because of the global COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of such extreme suffering and heartache as a result of COVID-19, as well as the economic, political, social unrest and uncertainty across our world, together with the devastating impact of climate change on our planet and our lives, we hope and pray these video and music resources will comfort you and your communities in your waiting, hoping and longing!

On Friday, October 30, France reluctantly went back into lock-down due to the coronavirus.

The Institute of the Sisters of St. Joseph (France) brought health care leaders of their senior citizens’ residences to the Centre for a day-long meeting and a meal of spaghetti and meatballs. Sr. Monique Vallon, president of the Institute (third from left) was present as well.

Every three years the Centre changes its leased car. In May 2020, we were expecting our new car, however, the coronavirus delayed our order until August. This new car, a Renault Captur, is similar to our old car only it is more technological.

We launched our new website on August 18. Cindy Russell from e-Catholic was our consultant and all our work was accomplished through Zoom.

One of our “past-times” during this season without guests or visitors has been the testing of interesting new recipes. We have experimented with many international dishes including Chinese, Thai, Moroccan, Middle Eastern, Italian, Mexican, French, and American. Click to see examples of our best attempts.

We had a little excitement one sunny Friday afternoon in June when the sheep escaped their pasture due to a weakness of the fence that encloses them. We had to chase the sheep back into pasture.

See the video

Last fall we almost lost the magazine table that sits in the foyer of the Centre.

Tom and Linda Clougherty of Ithaca, New York, had lived in Le Puy for a few years before they decided to sell their home and move back to the USA. As they were selling or giving away home items, they generously donated three bicycles to the Centre. The bicycles all have new tires and replacement tubes, and they came with helmets and an air pump. We thank the Cloughertys for thinking of us!

Four sheep have taken residence in the Centre’s orchard—just in time for Good Shepherd Sunday.

The values and discipline of religious life have allowed us to adjust our lives to the quarantine as we tried to remain healthy and safe. We developed a daily routine and rhythm with plenty of time and space for praying, reading, studying language, listening to music, watching online movies and news, and maintaining the Centre. We share meals together and each of us cooks the main meal every other day. We attend TV Mass and watch the news. The land around the Centre provides us with space to walk and enjoy nature. Our biggest event is grocery shopping at the Super U Drive-Through, which occurs every 15 days or so. Although France will re- open on May 11, we’ve decided to remain mostly at home. Photo: A Super U employee puts groceries into the car’s trunk at the Drive-Through service.

At its April meeting, the International Centre Board decided to close the Centre for the 2020 season. Pilgrims traveling from many parts of the world and uncertainty about the spread of the pandemic made this decision necessary. The Board, however, is already looking to the future and plans are in place to move the 2020 programs to 2021. Meanwhile, we are trying to stay in touch with Sisters of St. Joseph, associates and friends around the world with short newsletters like this one—and soon with our new and improved website.

Three sisters assumed their new roles on the Board at the April 17-18 meeting, which took place on ZOOM. Sr. Lucia Gallo represents the Italian Federation. Sr. Maryellen Kane represents the US Federation. Sr. Vianney Thanniath of India represents the Annecy Congregation in France. We welcome them all!!

The magnolia tree that the Global Coordinating Group (GCG) donated to the Centre at its October 2019 annual meeting is healthy and thriving. The tree commemorates the 350th anniversary of the death of Fr. Jean Pierre Medaille. The International Centre is one of the GCG’s projects.

Epidemics are a part of life and Le Puy has had its share. In 1720, the people of the Le Puy region lived through a terrible epidemic, which began in Marseille and quickly spread toward Le Puy. Authorities ordered the people to quarantine themselves. The plague traumatized the population. This painting hangs in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Puy and represents a procession passing through the Place du For in thanks to Our Lady to whom people prayed to stop the epidemic of 1660.

View the blog posts here.