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Anne-Marie today

Anne-Marie Javouhey

 - rejected slavery because she knew that as « children of  one Father » all human beings are loved by God and destined for happiness, for life in all its fullness as they discover that they are made in the image of God.

- allowed others to be themselves ;  her educational methods show great respect for the true nature of human beings : "Free persons are led, not by constraint, but by persuasion." 

- understood the importance of the family, ownership, work, and respect for the environment ; she wanted others to be aware of their own worth and their social responsibilities.

- knew how to discern, in an age of profound changes and problems, the needs of her times, and to respond to them by preparing a better future.     

- created the conditions necessary to change situations which she considered intolerable, analysing them and suggesting solutions and the means to be used.

- was not satisfied with temporary solutions to the evils she encountered but went to the root of the problem to eradicate it.

- with her Sisters she nursed mental patients who were ill and abandoned, restoring their human dignity.

- believed that every person of every race had the capacity for self-development and to take their destiny in their own hands.

- helped young Africans who wished to become priests to do so in spite of the prejudices which existed at the time.

- practiced inculturation :  "We will keep to all that can be kept of the simple customs which suit the climate, we will change only what is not good."

- showed that women had great influence and were capable of helping societies to develop ;   a woman herself, she went beyond the customs of her times so as to realise her mission.

- had a heart open to the world, to unknown cultures, sent her sisters on long, dangerous voyages and did the same herself in order to proclaim the Good News of God ‘s love wherever it was not yet known.

Are there not in our world today situations which invite us to respond as Anne Marie Javouhey  did in the 19th century ?  

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