The Mother of God descends amid thorns

"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." (Acts 13:2)

After nearly 14 years at the Sacre-Cœur Basilica of Montmartre, in Paris, I have been sent to found a new community of Benedictine Sisters (1) to serve the Basilica of Notre Dame de l'Épine (Our Lady of the Thorn), in the diocese of Chalons-en-Champagne (Eastern France). From one Burning Bush to another!

There, on the night of the Annunciation in 1400, the Virgin Mary appeared to some shepherds in a thorn bush shining bright in the middle of the night. We read in the Office of the Virgin Mary: "In the bush that burned without leaving ashes, Moses was already contemplating you, O pure Virgin: Holy Mother of God, intercede for us!"

Miracles took place there, and the people built a basilica in which the Virgin gave this second sign: a well, still visible in the basilica, from which water can be drawn today. It reminds us of the well of the Samaritan woman, a well of encounter, where the thirst of the human heart meets the thirst of God’s Heart: "The Father seeks worshippers in spirit and in truth" (Jn 4:23).

Today, the Mother of God still comes down amid thorns, because many of her children have abandoned Christ, the source of living water. In the night of our time, she calls shepherds to go in search of them and lead them to the fountain of baptism.

Monsignor François Touvet, Bishop of Chalons, wishes to make of l’Epine a welcoming place of prayer and worship for his diocese. We will be five Benedictine sisters from Montmartre, working with a rector-priest from the Community of Saint Martin (2), as well as employees and volunteers working for the shrine.

"The harvest is abundant..." From a human standpoint the mission may seem difficult, if not impossible. But Christ also says: "If you only knew God’s gift..." It can only bear fruit through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit.

The village of L'Épine (3) is located on one of the roads to Santiago de Compostela. We have a guesthouse for visitors. It is a beautiful, secluded setting for a spiritual retreat, but not too out of the way! We will be open for visitors on August 15th (official date of the priory’s foundation). You are always welcome to stay with us for a few days of rest, a retreat, or pilgrimage.

"I thank God for you and remember you in my prayers" (1 Thes 1:2). May He grant you every grace! In the Heart of Christ, who loves each one of you.

(1) Benedictine Sisters of the Sacré Cœur of Montmartre 

(2) Community of Saint Martin

(3) Notre Dame de L’Epine

Sister Marie Charles of Jesus, Benedictine nun (France)

February 2021