Maria - Holy Family of Bordeaux

Another member explains the 'Secular Institute' as she understands it and how she tries to live her vocation

We are, in a mysterious way, the meeting point of two powerful currents of Christian life.

We are lay persons and are consecrated as such by the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation
Further to this, we have responded to a call from God to live the Evangelical Counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience as stated in our Constitutions.

The essential characteristic of a Secular Vocation is the act of consecration, but a consecration lived in the midst of the world and by means of the world.

Involvement in the world is total, because we assume in a certain way responsibility for the milieu in which we live and work. Our whole life becomes an apostolate of presence, and is modelled on that of the Holy Family of Nazareth - Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

In order to do the will of God I must, first of all, search for it through prayer and in the circumstances of daily life. It is, secondly, to open myself to others around me, in order to encounter them in depth and know how to listen to them. This is true for everyone, but even more so for a celibate who, like me, has retired from professional work.

My prayer is inspired by the Holy Family, living among the inhabitants of Nazareth and through whom I am guided by the Spirit.

I feel it is the Lord who has placed me in this area, in this house, with these particular neighbours. It is the Lord who has given me the opportunity of maintaining links with young Filipino students, full of hope, and with many former school students, rich in spiritual and human experiences of life. I ask myself, "What can I bring to them?"

A listening presence e.g. to a student who has an urgent problem and needs to be listened to, even at an inappropriate time.
A daily visit to a neighbour in hospital.
Support for an elderly person coping with the trials of old age.
A listening ear for parents and grandparents, worried about their children and grandchildren, living in an area where sectarianism and hatred are prominent.
Holy Communion to the elderly and infirm in Nursing and Residential homes.

It is because I feel the need to be in touch with my own family that I try to keep most Sundays free for them. I feel my commitment has consecrated my family ties.

In conclusion, I would like to quote a line from Brother Roger Schutz, Prior of Taizé, which seems to sum up what I am trying to say:

"Accomplish in simplicity of heart what is required of you today."


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