LA MENNAIS DAY. 1,000 Young people revealed themselves, inspired by the Founder and listening to Witnesses in Vitré, France

Final clap in joy for the 2nd Edition of La Mennais Day in Vitré. Sainte Marie Secondary School organized on Tuesday, January 24^th , a Mennaisian Day for all students from the 1^st to 4^th form. Famous speakers, more than 6 hours live and a very positive result at the end of this day. “Our goal was for the 1,040 students at the College to come out of this day having learned something about the spirit of the Founder of the Brothers, the theme of the year of the Mennaisian Network – Witness to hope – and the origin of their College. We have achieved our goal,” said Corentin Ogier, Assistant in School Ministry. Explanations

“Reveal yourself!” François Péron, Youth delegate of the Mennaisian Network and President of the Summer Educational Association opened the day before the 3^rd form students with a testimony around brotherhood and commitment, two important values for Jean Marie de la Mennais.

Through several anecdotes and in response to many questions from the students, he shared his experience and his commitments by inviting the students to reveal the best of themselves.

Access to water and Solidarity actions

He then gave way to Brother Yannick Houssay, Provincial of France of the Brothers La Mennais of Ploërmel and former Superior General of the Congregation. He shared his experiences in the various Countries of the World and the Solidarity Actions that the NGO Assific carries out on a daily basis. These are the projects of this NGO that the students of Sainte Marie support each year during the Solidarity Meal.

Bro Yannick Houssay testified about the joy of being a Brother and the presence of the Brothers in 26 Countries on 5 Continents.

The Entrepreneur Jean-Paul Augereau, now invested in Humanitarian Work, at the service of populations without access to drinking water, had to decline the invitation at the last moment. A report on his actions in recent months has nevertheless enabled the students to understand the importance of solidarity and the meaning that we give to our actions.

Great game and powerful testimonials

“Discovering their city of Vitré from Mennaisian History and Roots” was the theme in the afternoon, with the 6^th intervention of Denis Chevrel, “Tutelle Delegate” and then André Goussé, former Deputy Head of the College and passionate about the History of our Institution in Vitré. The testimonies gave way to a great game to discover the different places that preceded the current implantation of Saint Mary.

Denis Chevrel, « Tutelle Delegate”, spoke to the young people of the college. «You are heirs of a History».

Finally, it was a Mennaisian figure who closed the day in front of the students of the 5^th form. Claire Lehugeur has been a School Teacher and Holiday Director for many years for the Mennaisian Summer Association.

Claire Lehugeur. “To Hope? To know that the day will rise despite the difficulties”.

She and 3 friends suffered a serious road accident in February 2020 in Tanzania and almost lost her right arm. After many operations and 3 years of rehabilitation, she recovered from this trauma. The year’s theme “Witnessing to Hope” made sense when students began to listen to her testimony. More than 45 minutes of questions and answers followed the Intervention.

At the time of the final survey, the young students said they are ready to start again, having beautiful ideas of Themes and Speakers for next year.

The 3rd edition is already in preparation!