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Sister Carmel Eberius provides an update on the cause for Beatification

Euphrasie Barbier founded the Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions in the 1800s, but her impact on the life of the Catholic Church continues today.

Known in religious life as Marie du Coeur de Jésus, she was born on 4 January 1829, in Caen, France.

Euphrasie, shortly after founding the Congregation in 1861, sent the first Sisters to New Zealand in 1864.

From such small beginnings the Congregation grew, and today the Sisters serve in 21 countries through various forms of education and social ministry. They respond to the needs of the people, especially marginalised women and children, as well as those who are poor and oppressed.

Over the past 13 years, Sister Carmel has worked tirelessly on the Beatification cause of Euphrasie Barbier. But throughout the process, even in the face of obstacles, Euphrasie has helped guide Sister Carmel, who said:

“If there was an obstacle Euphrasie didn’t stop. She put her faith in God and for me that is what is important. I have learnt, through Euphrasie, that whatever struggles I face, I too need to be patient and listen to God and the way will become clear”.

The Positio, written by Sr Carmel, was sent to Rome in 2022 and it is in the process of being approved. It is now awaiting the response of the examination by the Theological Consultors, who will ensure that there are no doctrinal errors in Euphrasies’ teachings. Should the Theologians respond positively, it will then be passed on to the Cardinal and Bishops of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, for their approval. This being so, the Cardinal Prefect will send a report to the Pope who is the one who will give the final approval and thus declare Euphrasie Venerabilis.

Euphrasie remains an inspirational figure today and shines forth as a beacon of light on what it means for the Church to be a Missionary Church.

Monsignor James Cronin, who has supported the cause of Beatification of Euphrasie on behalf of the Archdiocese of Southwark said:

“Saints are like stained glass windows; they let the light of God shine through them. We are delighted to support Sr Carmel in her efforts in promoting Euphrasie and her inspirational work on the Missions. This Archdiocese has always generously supported the Missions by assisting the young churches grow and flourish. Euphrasie is a reminder that with a zeal in our hearts for God, faith can make a difference to people’s lives”.

Sr Carmel is also clear that while the congregation is called “Our Lady of the Missions”, there is a singular focus on the Trinity. “Most people, when they hear the name of our congregation”, she said, “think we’re focussed on the mission of Our Lady but we are focussed on the mission of the Trinity. The Father sending the Son, and the Father and the Son sending the Holy Spirit”.

Euphrasie changed the lives of many people around the world, including here in the Archdiocese of Southwark. Euphrasie and the Sisters in her congregation set up schools and orphanages. This included several schools in Deal, Hastings and St Leonards. The spirit of Euphrasie is still very much alive in these communities, Sr Carmel added.

Monsignor James, on supporting the cause for Beatification, said:

“we are delighted to support Sr Carmel in her efforts. Euphrasie and her inspirational work in the Missions – and here in Southwark – helps connect us to the Universal Church. Euphrasie is a reminder that with a zeal in our hearts for God, we can make a difference”.

Asked how Euphrasie can still inspire people today, Sr Carmel said

“Pray and reflect on the possibilities of your life. Listen to God so you can find the path that is right for you. Spend time in prayer, read the Gospels and know the life of our Lord.

“Spend time before the Blessed Sacrament – this was an important devotion of Euphrasie, who understood how vital silence and prayer is for us all.

“Even in the Missions, she always made time for prayer. She said that without prayer, you’re just like another person working. If you do not feed your relationship with God, what have you got to give when you go out to work?”

Please continue to pray for Our Lady of the Missions as they continue their vital work around the world and in raising awareness of Euphrasie Barbier.