Sion Charism Stories

Emmanuelle's Story

Sr.Emmanuelle's Charism Story – On October 20, our Sister Emmanuelle, the well known sister of the rag pickers of Cairo, died a few weeks before her 100th birthday. She was immediately praised by the Vatican for her work among the poor. There were 100th anniversary plans for great celebrations scheduled for Paris, among them, she was to be decorated by the French President at Elysee Palace. Emmanuelle 'chose the better part' and went instead at the beckoning of her Beloved to meet 'the One whom her heart loved' while the Elysee invited us all to Notre Dame to pay homage to this fragile old woman of such incredible strength, who challenged youth and politicians alike to act for the poor.

From her Spiritual Testament, Emmanuelle wrote: “ We know that Love is stronger than Death, the bond of deep friendship that we formed with one another in joy has joyful eternal value. I want to tell you a thank you that is leaping with gratitude for what you have done and I know you still do for our thousands of children throughout the world who are in difficulty. Yalla! Forward! To live loving is marvelous! “ Your Emmanuelle

Sr. Darlene DeMong says, “A book by Emmanuelle Confessions d'une Religieuse was released at her death according to her plan. On reading her book and having known Emmanuelle for years, the overwhelming feeling I had was how little I knew her. May all of you who read her life find that they too have been blessed in knowing her, a great woman of Sion. Yalla.. Let's go .. in Arabic, which has become Emmanuelle's 'password' in a special way..as we journey together “up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of God of Jacob”.

Her book will be translated into English, Korean, Spanish and Arabic shortly.

Copies of the Mediterranean Province newsletter on Emmanuelle in English and French can be obtained from: Agnes Perrin agnesperrin1@yahoo.fr