3 pilgrims testify to their vocation and spiritual renewal thanks to Mary

“Today, Mary finds her place in Christian life”

Sabine Bouclier, pilgrim in Medjugorje

“Our group is on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje to conclude a three-year training course provided by our diocese of Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) with a view to better serving our parishes. In the 1980s, I noticed a shift away from Marian piety. Our attention was drawn exclusively to reading the Bible, the Eucharist and the other sacraments. This is changing today: Catholics understand that Mary has her place in Christian life. For my part, I received from my mother the desire to pray to the Virgin Mary.

As children, we lived near a chapel, and we prayed the rosary there. Living today near the Foyer de Charité in Duzer, Guadeloupe, has been very precious to me, when I have gone through difficult times.

There I rediscovered the Marian piety of my youth, through retreats, prayer, to the point of pronouncing a consecration to Mary. This allowed me to remain faithful to the promise of my baptism, to my commitment in marriage, lived as an alliance with God. Jesus suffered and taught us to forgive. Why should we be exempt from suffering? Likewise, Mary went through trials by meditating. I am impulsive, but I learned from her that in calm and prayer there is victory.”