Daughter of Mary Immaculate (Marianist)

Daughter of Mary Immaculate (Marianist) – Sister Marie-Fleur Élíse of the Visitation, F.M.I.

Motto: “Do whatever He tells you.” – Mary’s words to the servants at Cana

Founders: Blessed William J. Chaminade and Blessed Adèle de Batz de Trenquelleón

Place: Agen, France

Year: May 25, 1816 A.D.

Her Charism: With an Incarnation-centered spirituality, rooted in faith of the heart, apostolic community, and a missionary spirit, this disciple of Mary, is ready to go to the ends of the earth to save one single soul. Called by God to reinvigorate the Church and formed by Mary, her model, she is sent on the mission of Christ to promote harmony in his Mystical Body. She is convinced that she cannot bring others back to Jesus except through His Most Holy Mother, who the Doctors of the Church acclaim as our only hope. In addition to her vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, this Sister professes a fourth vow of stability, which is the spirit of her Community- a lifelong alliance (Consecration) with Mary to collaborate in her mission of bringing Christ to a thirsting world. Through her vows she commits herself permanently and irrevocably to Mary, who is her mother, her teacher, her guide, model, and inspiration. In humility, and with strength and courage, she promises to follow Christ, to be transformed into His likeness, to work for the coming of His Kingdom, and to strive for the fullness of charity. It is a response to the invitation of Christ Who loved her first. This finds its origin and dynamism in Baptism, the wellspring of true life flowing within her. Sharing in the joys and sorrows of humanity leads her to work for the development of vibrant, inclusive, loving communities of faith, the “multiplication of Christians”, and formation of apostles through education and the power of prayer and the Eucharist. Her ministries in education and social justice are many and varied like her talents. By living as a child of Mary, and carrying out God’s Will in service to others, this Sister strives to become a saint, cost what it may. ☩ In the Gospel, at the wedding feast of Cana, through Mary, the servant encounters Jesus, By hearing Mary’s instruction to “do whatever He tells you” (fill the jars with water), the servant becomes a witness to Christ’s first miracle. When he receives Mary’s words to obey her Son, she becomes a living witness of Christ’s work in her life and takes on a prophetic role. . . a Mother of Hope. ☩