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At the end of the 2018 General Chapter, the bicentenary was launched as a three-year process of celebration and reflection.  It began celebrating the 200^th anniversary of the foundation of the Pieux-Secours in 1818, leading to the celebration of the first private vows of the brothers in 1821 in the chapel at Fourvière.  Little did we know that it would be intercepted by a global pandemic.

Throughout the three years, the Commission for the Promotion of the Charism of Foundation (CPCF) worked to keep us focused and reflecting on the great themes of this time.  The six texts they edited led us through the movements of the past, present and future.  Celebrations were planned worldwide in each province community … and then the pandemic began in early 2020.

We were still able to celebrate during the days around September 30, 2021, in Lyon.  The brothers of France and the brothers of the general administration came together to celebrate this milestone in the places of our foundation – at Fourvière, at St. Bruno and at Paradis.  But throughout the world, event after event was delayed.  So we continue to see bicentenary celebrations around the world.  The USA province celebrated in July 2022.  A gathering of partners, lay and religious, from all the entities of the CALE conference will occur in Spain in October 2022.  So, in many ways, the bicentenary continues.

The seventh text in the bicentenary series, the circular of the Superior General, Sheer Grace, calls us all to reflect on the past, present and future and to look forward to all that is to come … and there is always more.  Another bicentenary is not far away … the celebration of the first public vows of the Institute at Monistrol, on October 14, 1824.

May we continue to do all things under the patronage of Our Lady of Fourvière and maintain as our constant banner and inspiration, the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Ametur Cor Jesu!