WELCOME SITE PLAN LIFE OF LOVE THE WORKS THE LADY E-MAIL	THE COMMUNITY LIFE OF THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF MARY A Day’s Schedule The day’s schedule for the Sons and Daughters of Mary may vary according to the specific vocation of each residence, but in general, it unfolds in the following manner. First thing in the morning, they gather at the chapel for a half-hour of silent mental prayer, during which the soul is united to God, allowing itself to be transformed by Love’s action and drawing strength and happiness from this contact. This is followed by Mass which is more solemn on Sundays and liturgical feast days. However it remains the focal point and the refreshing source upon which the soul draws in order to exercise a rich apostolate. The Mass is followed by the recitation of the divine office of lauds, a prayer of praise addressed to God in the name of all men, for their intentions. The day begins with Mass.

After breakfast, it is off to the duties of one’s state: in Rome, the students go to the university.

After breakfast, each one is off to accomplish the duties of his state: university studies for some, and a day’s work for others, according to their responsibilities. Amid their active life, the Sons and Daughters of Mary strive to maintain a union with God and Mary. “Happy is the soul that is continuously in touch with heaven through repeated outpourings of love. It thus ennobles the humblest physical activity to the point where the greyness of daily life gives way to an overflowing, interior joy, and this, because there is intimacy and co-operation with Love” (Life of Love III, chapter 38).

As the morning draws to a close, the Community gathers at the chapel for the midday office of the breviary, and then goes to the dining room for lunch.
After lunch, approximately one hour of free time allows Community members to pray, to do some spiritual reading or to relax, before returning to work or studies until the evening meal.
“The spirit of prayer at all times, the spirit of charity for everyone – these must be the characteristics of the true Christian” (Life of Love II, chapter 78).
There follows the communal evening prayers: vespers, rosary and complines.
Afterwards, Community members are free to do as they wish: looking after things of a personal nature, reading, fraternizing or relaxing by participating in various activities in order to maintain a balanced lifestyle. This is followed by silence until the next morning. “He [Jesus] who sought the silence of the night in which to be born, the silence of an obscure little house in which to live, the silence of the mountaintops to pray, He also desires the silence of a heart in which to take action and to work marvels” (Review L’Armée de Marie II, page 62).

The Daughters of Mary working together on community tasks.

Community activities On their days off, the members of the Community carry out community tasks or tasks of a personal nature. Members may also take advantage of these days to develop individual musical or artistic talents, or to visit the sick, the elderly or those in need. The Sons and Daughters of Mary study foreign languages, with a view to responding to the needs of the Church wherever these may arise.

On occasions, the Sons and Daughters of Mary take advantage of a day of relaxation in natural surroundings.

On occasions and regardless of the season, a moment of relaxation amid the beauty of nature becomes an opportunity for contemplation and mental prayer. “Recollection and meditation are beneficial to the soul and they build up those spiritual reserves upon which one can draw at the time of action; for, in this spiritual respiration, the soul breathes in God through contemplation and breathes Him out through charity” (Life of Love VII, chapter 13).
Those who like to take advantage of the pure and invigorating air of the Lac-Etchemin region look forward with joy to the Canadian winter, with its magnificent snowscapes.

Monthly and Annual Retreats Once a month, the Sons and Daughters of Mary participate in a one-day retreat which is generally held on the first Sunday of the month and during which the Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the chapel all day. Once a year, the Community gathers to participate in a retreat lasting several days, allowing members to deepen their spiritual life.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel of the Daughters of Mary

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“If you want to be perfect, come and follow me,” says the Lord continuously to His chosen ones.
“My God, I love you so much... I love you so much... I desire to be a victim like you, if such is your will.” Such was Marie-Paule’s answer of love to the Lord, giving Him all and allowing Him to dispose freely of her sacrificed will.

During the first ceremonies of religious profession, Jesus said to Marie-Paule: “Now do you see where the sacrifice of your vocation has led you.” May the Sons and Daughters of Mary always respond joyously to the divine call, in a total giving of themselves and in fidelity to the spirit of their Foundress for the greater glory of God.

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