From the 17th-21st December last year – the final week of Advent – the brothers gathered around the crib at Troussures in a sign that it is Christ who unites them. Each glimpsed that they are the bearers, in their respective priories, of the ‘charisms’ needed for their missions: charisms which are to be at work too both in the brothers’ personal lives, and in community.

The brothers were first given an overview of the life of the Community and the Vicariate through reports from each priory. The Vicariate could be characterised by the apostolic dynamism of these priories. The brothers’ deep innovation is evident in vastly different domains: from a parish renewal scheme being implemented by dozens of fraternities in Boulogne, to the introduction of the ‘Sophia Programme’ formation programme in Troussures, or courses in ‘integral ecology’ in Notre-Dame du Chêne. There is diversity, too, in the work being carried out by individual brothers who stage musicals which gather audiences of thousands, who offer pastoral support to transgender people, who facilitate meetings for couples in ‘fraternities’ of St Jean, the list goes on…

Following this, reports were heard from Br Thomas, Br François-Frédéric, and Br Geoffroy-Marie. Then from Lector Br Christophe, Vicariate Bursar Br Benoît-Etienne, Br Pierre-Vianney for the Pastoral Office for Young People, and Br Jean-Yves for Communications.

Wednesday was dedicated to theological reflection on the ways in which we might understand Pope Francis’ vision for the Church, with Br Denis. Practical workshops helped the brothers to highlight their own understanding of both the Universal and the local Church. Particular attention was paid in the latter to poverty, to preaching, and to the brothers’ missionary activities in the Vicariate seen as a ‘local church’.

The brothers expressed their expectations and needs with regards old age and dependency.

On several occasions, they were able to once again consider the recent evolution of the Community in light of Fr Philippe’s personal history.

Br Gabriel L, Br Jean-Pierre-Marie, and Br Sébastien-Marie have been elected to the 2019 General Chapter. Br Basile and Br Jean-Marie-Luc will serve as deputies.

The brothers of the Vicariat of Central France gathered in Pellevoisin from the 3rd to the 7th December 2018, under the protection of Our Lady of Mercy. Hearts were joyful despite the winter greyness outside! In addition to celebrating Mass together at the Shrine, there was also the chance to do so at Les Besses, where all were warmly welcomed by the brothers and young people of Saint-Jean-Espérance; one young person shared his story with the brothers – a memorable moment in the week. The contemplative sisters joined the group at midday on Friday for a fraternal coffee and catch-up.

As happens at others chapters, the brothers heard from the priors of each priory, as well as from the Vicar of the region, the Prior General, the Master of Studies, the Brother Lector and the Brother Bursar. They reflected together on the theme of growth and maturity. They also discussed the place of their founder, and re-read the letter from Rome (2016) making reference to the subjects of communication and the accompaniment of young people.

Throughout the chapter, the brothers split into small groups for discussion; all the brothers appreciated how this was done, brothers who entered in the 80’s, 90’s and after 2000 discussing together.

At the end of the chapter, delegates from the vicariat were elected for representation at the General Chapter: Brothers Jean-Symeon, Honorat, Raphael and Vincent (and as a deputy: Br Marie-Géraud). As well as several notices for the Genral Chapter, the brothers encouraged the Prior General to build up the priories of Richemont and Le Mesnil.