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Inspired by Marguerite's Charism

Marguerite Bourgeoys tried to live the way Mary lived on earth, especially in her visit to her cousin Elizabeth - the Visitation - and her presence in the Christian community at Pentecost

• We-Sisters, Associates, volunteers, and friends of the Congregation of Notre Dame want to follow Marguerite Bourgeoys' example
• and make Mary's life the pattern of our prayer, ministry, community.
• In this way our lives are enriched by all those we meet
• We work with them to help the Christian community grow.

The Visitation is such a simple event: one woman goes to visit an­other. However, it carries profound meaning: because a woman came who carried Christ within her, there was a change in someone else. Mary had just said yes to God's presence within her, and so when she visited Elizabeth, God visited Elizabeth as well, enlivening the baby in her womb.

The Christian community gathered together to await the coming of the Holy Spirit, with Mary in the midst of the community. As Marguerite Bourgeoys imagined it, Mary was present not simply for the Pentecost event, but for all the early years in which the new Church was establishing itself.

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