WHO ARE WE?

The lay association “Family of Jesus and Mary was begun in October 1981 after Claudine Thevenet's beatification.

On this occasion, Pope Jean Paul II reminded all that Claudine appeared as a model of evangelic life for all those who dedicate themselves to the education of young people in the Church.

At that time, the project of forming an Association of lay people became concrete for all those who were enthusiastic about the Charism of Claudine Thévenet.

Little by little various groups were started, and from 1983, the general Chapter welcomed officially the Jesus and Mary family … During the next years the Association was set up and the general Chapter of 1995 approved its first statutes.

Article 12 of the Constitutions of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary underlines the “close" link with the Association, the beneficiary of the grace of Claudine's charisma.

So today, following the first groups of committed lay people, some 1670 members, of all ages and cultures live out the evangelic values of kindness and forgiveness.

The Association proposes to the members the highlights of sharing: faith, life and a common mission: "To make Jesus and Mary known and loved ", and to witness God's merciful kindness, collaborate in the educational mission of the Congregation, be at the service of the poorest, and work in collaboration with the Church here in the program of the Association.

Be Leaven, Salt and Light…

"Always try to be a more effective sign of the presence of Christ, witnesses of forgiveness and mercy particularly among the young" Cfr. Jean Paul II, in September 2000 during a meeting with the Association.