"The forces of Satan will thus be overthrown"

On Tuesday, January 2, 2018, 23 bishops from all regions of France met at the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Pontmain in north-western France. They represented all the bishops of the country invited to gather around the Virgin of Pontmain to pray for peace, during a special religious ceremony.

Some came from distant dioceses, such as Fort-de-France (Martinique), Ajaccio (Corsica), Bayonne, Lille, Quimper and Le Mans. During the ceremony, each bishop entrusted his diocese to the Virgin.

In his homily, Bishop Yves Le Saux of Le Mans recalled the essence of the episcopal mission, by referring to Saint Ignatius of Antioch in his letter to the Ephesians:

"We are men of prayer, missionary disciples. We need to strengthen our collegiality as bishops so that our friendship can support our ministry. Be sure to meet often: the forces of Satan will thus be overthrown."

Ouest France