In favor of our brothers from Islam:
two places to go
The oblates and faithful of our sanctuary know that Christians of Islamic origin, before or after their baptism, have a pressing need to be inserted into the Christian communities to which they can belong, such as parishes and sanctuaries. Because of their personal conversion, they sometimes find themselves without family and friends, isolated and misunderstood, as apostasy in the Muslim religion has a price to pay, punishable even by death. Clearly, they are looking for places of positive integration where they will feel “known and recognized” by their peers in the Christian faith. This is vital for them, essential for us.
On the one hand, it’s important to understand, with them, the notion of religious freedom, through a more intellectual approach, and on the other, to support them when they temporarily find themselves in complicated situations, which a discreet reception network can solve for as long as necessary.
Let’s not forget that the openness to transcendence among the majority of Muslims (and neophytes) offers a space for questioning that is a real opportunity for the proclamation of Christ.
That’s why the Sainte-Rita Shrine supports our brothers and sisters of Islamic origin with two support groups: “Jean-Paul II” and “Relais Angelus de Ismerie”.
Meeting with Saint John Paul II
Today, many Muslims encounter Christ in a dream or vision. This encounter overwhelms them, and their reflex is to knock on the door of our churches.
The aim of this John Paul II group is to create regular opportunities for meetings between “native” Christians and new converts from Islam, in order to better understand their reality and better integrate them into the Church.
Yet experience shows that our parishes are not prepared for this welcome. Not out of ill will, but rather out of ignorance.
In response to this situation, we have started training meetings at the Chapelle Sanctuaire Saint Rita in Fontenay-aux-Roses.
Contact
When?
1 time/month
Monthly meeting
Saturdays from 3 to 5 pm
March 15 - April 12 - May 24 - June 21
Where?
Crypt of the Sanctuary
of Sainte-Rita
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Eastern Christians, Western Muslims: the challenge of faith!
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Mulsulmans of the East, Christians of the West: the challenge of dialogue!
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A place of growth at the service of people
in search of God.
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Relais "Angelus" de Mission ISMERIE
Ismérie was the daughter of the Sultan of Cairo at the end of the 11th century. Three Frankish knights had been taken prisoner and ordered to convert to Islam. Faced with their persistent refusal, the sultan sent his daughter to seduce them. The knights told her about the Virgin Mary, who appeared to Ismérie during the night. Converted to Christianity, she fled with the knights to France, where she became the founder of the sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Liesse, near Laon.
Contact
P. François LAPOINTE OMV
Course
to be specified
The objectives are to announce the Word to Muslims who wish to draw closer to Christianity, and to accompany them when they freely wish to follow Christ and adhere to him within the Church. It is therefore urgent to foster a culture of mutual encounter based on respect and sincerity.
For Christ, “for He desires all men to be saved and to come to the full knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4). In this way, we cultivate a discipleship-missionary approach: friendly dialogue and unconditional love for everyone, whatever their culture or spiritual tradition. We wish to act with humility on the path of universal brotherhood, because every Christian has the responsibility to bear witness without forgetting that he himself remains “in conversion”. For our brothers and sisters in search of meaning: those who have questions about their faith, those who haven’t yet heard the Good News and don’t know Jesus, those who come from non-Christian backgrounds but have already mysteriously “met” him, those who are asking to enter the Church and wish to journey towards baptism…
While remaining aware that the terrain is sometimes sensitive, and being attentive to wounded bodies, fragile souls and situations of vulnerability.
For all the sick, suffering and enslaved of the 21st century. Because Jesus is truly present, and continues to heal bodies, free souls and deliver spirits. Because He is truly alive and ready to save anyone who has faith in Him: “Go! Make disciples of all nations: baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28, 19-20)
To serve the Church and the Common Good, first and foremost by making known the witness of joy, love and peace of converts. Like that of Myriam: “Jesus came looking for me. He gave me his Life, and everything changed in mine! Secondly, to serve by putting our experience and skills to good use, in particular to improve the welcome within the ecclesial community of those who, like us, have a life path linked to Muslim circles.
Finally, to serve by participating in diocesan pastoral projects, local parish activities, the life of religious communities, and lay initiatives supported by the French Bishops’ Conference.
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Support your sanctuary
Your support helps us to continue the various activities of this place of sanctuary.
Contribution to the Mass
Ask the Sanctuary of Saint Rita for a mass for your intentions, commemorating the Eucharist and the presence of Christ.
Lighting a candle
Candles burn ceaselessly, symbolizing our prayers and thanksgiving for our lives to become light.
Prayer intention
Saint Rita, patron saint of lost causes, welcomes your intentions and thanks, and may fraternal charity strengthen our prayer.