The event was marked by a jubilee Mass, the renewal of vows by several sisters, and a profound international communion, guided by the warm presence of two bishops.
A double joy illuminated the chapel in Froyennes. June 24 is a deeply symbolic date for the Holy Union Congregation: it marks the feast day of Saint John the Baptist—patron saint of founder Father Jean-Baptiste Debrabant—and is also the traditional day when the sisters renew their yes to the Lord. This year, the celebration carried historic significance with the 200th anniversary of the congregation’s foundation.
Bishop Frédéric Rossignol: “200 Years of Adapting to Society's Needs”
In a rare and notable gesture, the celebration was co-presided over by two bishops: Bishop Vincent Dollmann, Archbishop of Cambrai (a diocese historically tied to the congregation), and Bishop Frédéric Rossignol, Bishop of Tournai since last December.
In his warm welcoming remarks, Bishop Rossignol highlighted the remarkable continuity of Father Debrabant’s legacy:
“Two hundred years of faithfulness is also two hundred years of evolution. As in all congregations, the original charism adapts to the changing needs of society. At its founding, Father Jean-Baptiste focused primarily on poor children and women in difficulty.”
The Bishop of Tournai drew a direct parallel to modern realities, noting that in France and Belgium, nearly 25% of families are single-parent households—80% of which are led by single mothers. Praising the sisters’ spirit of service—particularly toward the fifty residents of the Froyennes home—he also addressed the international sisters in English to honor the renewal of their vows:
“This renewal shows, above all, the Lord's faithfulness to you. It means that you are happy in your calling, that you recognize the value of your charism, and that you are committed to continuing your mission.”
Archbishop Vincent Dollmann's Homily: The Beauty of Consecration and the Logic of Mercy
In a profound homily, deeply connected with today's issues, Archbishop Vincent Dollmann reflected on Saint John the Baptist, one of the few saints whose earthly birth is celebrated by the Church, alongside the Virgin Mary and Christ. John the Baptist, the Archbishop recalled, embodies "the beauty of belonging to God."
In contrast to a modern society often dominated by purely horizontal, technical, and immediate views, Archbishop Dollmann offered a critical perspective on current societal debates, particularly regarding euthanasia in France:
“It is a false path for society, as it encloses human life within a purely earthly dimension, reducing the human person to a mere segment of existence that others get to decide is worth living or not. Today's feast, on the contrary, invites us to rejoice in the gift of life and in the way God looks upon each of us.”
Reflecting on John the Baptist's journey, the Archbishop of Cambrai invited the congregation to a "double conversion." Even in consecrated life or Gospel ministry, there is a strong temptation to rely on organizational efficiency or personal strength. "John the Baptist, from the depth of his prison, had to learn that Christ did not come to change the world through a dramatic display, but through divine mercy—by reaching out to the poorest," he explained.
In conclusion, he prayed that the consecrated life of the Holy Union sisters continues to unite hearts:
“May Debrabant’s charism radiate among those most in need of light and hope, especially the humblest, who still retain the capacity for wonder.”
(Read the full homily of Archbishop Dollman)
Sr. Caroline, Superior General: “A Living Chain of Faithfulness”
Speaking at the end of the celebration, Sister Caroline, Superior General of the congregation, expressed deep gratitude for this moment of ecclesial unity, held under the theme: “From the heart of Douai to the heart of the world.”
She warmly greeted the international delegations from Argentina, England, Ireland, Tanzania, and the United States, uniting in prayer with the sisters in Cameroon who were unable to travel.
“Your yes today is part of a living chain of faithfulness stretching back to our founding. It is both a gift and a testimony that the Spirit continues to work among us,” she said, addressing the sisters who renewed their vows.
Sister Caroline paid a touching tribute to the sisters of the Franco-Belgian province: “Although your numbers are smaller today, your testimony speaks loudly. You are a living, quiet, yet profound witness of perseverance and hope. The impact of your presence cannot be measured by numbers alone.”
She also thanked the members of the Jean-Baptiste Fraternity, calling them "flag-bearers" of the congregation's heritage, as well as the administrative and care staff of the ASBL Sainte-Union for their daily dedication to the senior sisters.
“May this time together renew us and inspire us to become bearers of light for those in need,” she concluded, before Bishop Rossignol—recalling with a smile his own background with the Spiritan Fathers, who are closely connected to Tanzania—imparted the final blessing.
