See the photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/B4ZuzTjdaZAX7Suz7
From May 1st to 4th, in France, 64 members of the Asunción Together groups from the provinces of Spain, France, and Europe had the great blessing of living the experience of walking in the footsteps of Marie Eugénie.
Although most of us didn’t know each other and spoke different languages, upon arriving at the Mother House, it felt like coming home and not being among strangers. From the very beginning, emotions overwhelmed and filled us completely. A feeling of peace and calm took over as we entered the chapel and were able to be close to Mother Marie Eugénie, enjoying intimate moments of prayer. We were moved by the love with which the sisters guard and care for the legacy Mother Marie Eugénie left us.
When we arrived in Preisch, we were filled with joy walking through the vast garden where she must have happily played with her brothers and her dear friend. We cannot forget the encounter with Saint Mary Magdalene (a statue in the garden). Discovering the text written by Mother Marie Eugénie highlighting love and humility was a revelation for us.
Walking through the streets of Metz and Paris, visiting the places where she lived, was truly “following in her footsteps.”
Upon entering Sainte Ségolène, our eyes filled with tears and we were enveloped in a peace that we cannot describe. To pray where she first felt the presence of God made us feel very close to God and to Mother Marie Eugénie.
And what can we say about entering Notre Dame, reliving the moments when Mother Marie Eugénie heard what the Lord wanted to tell her, discovering that she wanted to know and love Him as much as Saint Mary Magdalene did. There, she understood the mission He was entrusting to her, and it was where she would return to be filled again with God when she felt her strength failing, knowing that only He could sustain her.
We feel immense gratitude for the gift of faith, for the life of Mother Marie Eugénie, for all the sisters who continue working for the extension of the Kingdom, and for everyone who dedicated their time and work to make this dream come true.
Thank you to the people, the “angels” as we call them, who were “my eyes” during these days, helping me live this in a very special way. A thousand thanks for everything.
After these four days of shared experiences, filled with laughter, we now return to our own places, to the reality each of us must live, with the joy of knowing we are part of a great family – the Asunción Family – and that Saint Marie Eugénie intercedes for us so that it is the Light of the Risen Christ that illuminates our path.
Enri and Rosa from the Asunción Together Community in Dalías
The testimonies keep coming in! Marie Eugénie never leaves anyone indifferent!
"Emotion!" – without a doubt, the word that defines this experience, which has been a true gift. Emotion, walking through the places where she lived and grew up, and the significance of each one throughout her life: Preisch, Sainte-Ségolène, Metz, Reims, Rue Férou, Saint Sulpice, Notre Dame. A true privilege to share Eucharists, prayers, and songs in different languages, truly experiencing the meaning of the word together. And of course, sharing laughter and conversations like one big Asunción family. Congratulations and a thousand thanks to the organizers who prepared everything with such love and dedication." — Pepa Hernández – El Palo
"Still with an emotional heart – yes, that’s how I feel. The emotion continues! For me, it was once again that feeling of “being at home.” Arriving at the street and seeing the photo of Marie Eugénie already made my heart race. The first thing to do was go to the Sanctuary. I was also fortunate to stay behind the chapel, which allowed me to spend many moments alone with Marie Eugénie – in that silence, with candles lit, full of hope in her intercession. I was lucky to be there and to bring not only my own heart but also the hearts of those who needed her comfort and her listening, in the way only she can. My belonging to the Asunción is one of the greatest blessings of my life! I laughed like I hadn’t in a long time. I met wonderful people, and it was a gift to be with them. To return to the house where she was born, where she lived, where she began to feel what she was meant to do… It was another sign that she is taking my hand to keep going. I was moved to tears during Mass in Metz – such a touching homily by the Bishop (thank you Véronique for translating, or I wouldn’t have understood). Being at Notre Dame was also very emotional – what a marvel! Sitting in the third row, seeing the altar where Marie Eugénie’s relics are kept. We’ve seen it on TV, and now we saw the altar so close! Looking at the radiant Pietà with the golden Cross, and the Virgin of Notre Dame with the Child Jesus. Thank you, thank you, and thank you for so much emotion, joy, laughter, prayer, song, and friendship. I hope this happens again, and that I can return! I am deeply grateful to everyone who made this pilgrimage possible and for making me feel like part of the Asunción Family." — Juana Rubio – Vallecas
"After these days following in the footsteps of Saint Marie Eugénie, I’ve felt that life is a continuous pilgrimage – each person walks their own path, and she was a witness to both spiritual pilgrimage and social action. Prayer and service. From childhood, she faced difficult changes, first trusting in her parents and then, after encountering the Lord, in God. She learned to listen and discern what God was asking of her. She wanted to give women a prominent place – educated and equipped to face the world. Now I want to value small things more, remain in prayer, and help those around me. This pilgrimage, in addition to being an act of devotion that led us to recognize God in our lives like Marie Eugénie, was also a lesson in humility and hope." — Verónica Conejo – Pedregalejo
"This was my first time at an event like this – I hope it won’t be the last! It’s hard for me to connect with others because I’m a bit shy. But the warm welcome from Véronique, Hélène, Mercedes, and all the sisters in Auteuil… The gardens, the chapel – everything around us made us feel accompanied by Marie Eugénie. The chapel – you enter and feel welcome, peace, calm, prayer… You feel it all! The visit to Preisch – with every explanation, I could see her running, jumping, laughing – she was happy. The cathedral in Metz, where she went to pray – impressive. The Sainte Ségolène church, where she made her First Communion, where she felt her calling to follow God. All of this touched my heart and made me reflect on the values she taught and that the Asunción continues to pass on – welcoming everyone regardless of race, color, or language. We are all one; we learn from one another – that’s what Marie Eugénie would want. In conclusion, I felt deep peace, calm, and welcome – and above all, I felt that Marie Eugénie was with me. She helped me disconnect from everything when I’d never been able to before. My heart is full of gratitude." — María Jesús Merino – Madrid
"Beautiful days of fellowship, sharing, and enjoying moments of prayer, leisure, and reflection in such good company. An experience that will stay in our memory forever. Very grateful for everything we lived In the footsteps of Marie Eugénie." — Magdalena Alonso – León
The original of this article is in Spanish. It has been translated using AI – please feel free to report any grammatical or spelling errors.