Sainte-Marthe-Chavannes: students from this school complex visiting the General House share their experience:
It is with great joy that we share with you the impressions and emotions experienced by some forty students during their recent visit to the General House of the Congregation of Saint Jeanne Antide Thouret in Rome.This morning, filled with discoveries and encounters, has left an indelible mark on the minds and hearts of our young people, giving them unforgettable memories and a sense of belonging to something greater.
From the moment they arrived, the students from Sainte-Marthe-Chavannes (Angoulême) were enchanted by the beauty and serenity of the General House’s gardens.
The calm that reigns there offered each of them a space for relaxation and reflection, far from the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City, which we have been visiting for the past two days.
One of the most significant moments of this visit, which took place on 19 March 2026, was the meeting with Sister Mirna F., head of the International Office for Education.
For our students, accustomed to living in an environment where religious sisters are rare, this meeting was a real revelation.They were able to ask questions and exchange views on religious life, faith and the Congregation’s missions.
What particularly struck them was the sense of belonging that emerged from these exchanges.
Speaking with Sister Mirna, they felt they were part of a large spiritual family, united by shared values and a common search for meaning.
Some said they felt closer to the Church and the Congregation, as if they had found a place in a community that welcomed them with kindness.
The visit to the church was also a highlight of the morning.
Our young people were struck by the beauty and spirituality of this place, which houses the skull of Saint Jeanne-Antide Thouret. Seeing this relic at such close quarters made the history and holiness of the Foundress tangible. Some expressed deep emotion, whilst others chose to gather in silence, offering a flower.
This visit was far more than just a school trip: it was an immersive experience in beauty and spirituality.
The students left with questions, reflections and, above all, with a greater openness of mind and heart. They discovered a new dimension of faith, through their encounter with the sisters, prayer in places steeped in history and the contemplation of the beauty of the gardens.
We would like to thank our Sisters for the warm welcome they gave our students. Sister Mirna’s helpfulness and kindness helped to make this morning a unique and memorable occasion.We very much hope to repeat this experience and continue to forge links between our students and the Congregation.
Andreia P.
