On a pilgrimage to Vincentian places in Paris with the tri-university Vincentian Mission Institute, I had the grace to visit the place where St. Louise found “light.”
On the Feast of Pentecost during holy Mass or while I was praying in the church, my mind was instantly freed of all doubt.
I was advised that I should remain with my husband and that a time would come when I would be in a position to make vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and that I would be in a small community where others would do the same. I then understood that I would be in a place where I could help my neighbor but I did not understand how this would be possible since there was to be much coming and going.
I was also assured that I should remain at peace concerning my director; that God would give me one whom He seemed to show me. It was repugnant to me to accept him; nevertheless, I acquiesced. It seemed to me that I did not yet have to make this change.
My third doubt was removed by the inner assurance I felt that it was God who was teaching me these things and that, believing there is a God, I should not doubt the rest.
I have always believed that I received this grace from the Blessed Bishop of Geneva because, before his death, I had greatly desired to communicate these trials to him and because since that time, I have had great devotion to him and have received many graces through him. On that occasion, I had a reason for believing this to be so, although I cannot now remember it. (from “Louise de Marillac’s Pentecost Experience, June 4, 1623“)
At the Chapelle Saint Vincent, I remembered as many of your beautiful faces as I could — that St. Vincent would ask Jesus for the grace you (and I) need. At the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal, a quick prayer that our devotion might increase. In the Church of Saint-Nicholas-des-Champs, the parish church of St. Louise, I knelt before the Most Blessed Sacrament and prayed, through Saint Louise’s intercession, for a special intention. Small graces from such a loving and generous God, through Jesus. St. Nicholas was a “new” place for me. If you have doubts, or friends who are in some “darkness,” act as if you have faith, ask St. Louise, and light will be given.
Here’s a small gallery of photos from the pilgrimage so far. (By the way, #NUVMI is the Niagara group’s twitter hashtag for the pilgrimage.)
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