Marie, I give you my agenda

I was fortunate to be able to retire early, in great shape. What was I going to do? Continuing my associative commitments, certainly: with Elles aussi, which campaigns for parity between men and women in elections, and with Présence-OTPP, which brings together parish newspapers. I was also, at the time, a municipal councilor.

That summer, in Lourdes, I accompanied a pilgrimage. I see myself again in front of the cave. On the ground, a mosaic: “Place where Bernadette prayed on February 11, 1858.” For decades, Mary has been, for me, the one who “signs me forward*”, with confidence. I direct my gaze towards his statue installed in the hollow of the rock: “I give you my agenda. You tell me where I should go. » The following year, a career change led my husband to choose a new position. “There’s one that interests me,” he told me. But it’s far from home: in Nevers. » And here we are, living for three years on rue de Lourdes, in Nevers, 50 m from the sanctuary dedicated to Saint Bernadette!

The more I advance, the more I know I can trust Providence. I see difficult situations resolved, doors opening. For example, the pilgrimage to Rome for the teams who produce parish newspapers last year. For me, an apotheosis of confidence! That year, there were only 41 member newspapers left in our northern sector. We needed to rediscover the meaning of our action. Someone suggested: “What if we went on a pilgrimage to Rome?” » Above our means a priori. It was the year of the “Pilgrims of Hope” Jubilee, desired by Pope Francis. A small team of organizers was formed with enthusiasm. From everywhere, volunteers, editors, broadcasters, priests, advertisers and members of economic councils registered for the pilgrimage. Despite all my papers being stolen three weeks before departure, I was able to accompany the group at the last minute. At each of our steps, Providence seemed to open the way for us. So many encounters! What discoveries! Joy overflowed. On their return, some got involved in their parish newspaper. “The Mighty One did wonderful things for me” (Lk 1:49): I say it every day, every day, every day!

* Echoing the song Mary, witness to hope by Claude Bernard and Laurent Grzybowski.