IWBS Spiritual Renewal

Rediscovering Our Charism
and Spirituality

Chapter 2006 Directive:
WE WILL REDISCOVER THE CHARISM AND SPIRITUALITY OF OUR CONGREGATION THROUGH INTEGRATED STUDY OF JESUS IN THE SCRIPTURES ALONG WITH THE WRITINGS OF JEANNE DE MATEL, OUR CONSTITUTIONS AND INCARNATIONAL SPIRITUALITY, IN ORDER TO BECOME WHO GOD CALLS US TO BE, WITNESSES OF THE INCARNATE WORD TODAY IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS, COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND IN SOCIAL ISSUES.

GOAL
We will develop an on-going formation program for the next six years, in which all members will participate.

Spiritual Renewal - Path of Transformation

Table Responses -- October 13, 2007 reported by Sister Amata Hollas
As you reflected at your tables on the Path of Transformation, you shared what we, as a congregation, have experienced in this period of darkness and exploration. Among the many successes you named was the fact that we are recognizing our darkness and are searching for the Light through our growth in our prayer life, our faith sharing and getting to know each other better; you also named our reaching out in new ministries. Among the many struggles named were the polarities that exist in our community and our own personal struggles as we each hear and hold differing view points tentatively. All of you experienced hope for our journey and attributed this to the fact that our CARE skills are deepening our relationships for each other. We are searching together and willing to stay in the struggle together. You named some concrete steps to ensure that we are addressing the issues described in this period. We need a support system like faith sharing and CARE groups to support us as we work with our resistances. We are being vcalled to be open to the Spirit and be willing to accept chang and be changed. You affirmed our need to carry out Chapter Directives through our CORE group endeavors.

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Spiritual Renewal – The Influence of Context: The Historical Background

Table Responses – October 13, 2007
When asked to name the most significant religious practices that have changed in our community over these last 40 years, almost every table named the change in the structure of our prayer life, especially that we changed from praying the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Latin to praying the Liturgy of the Hours in English and also placing an emphasis on Faith Sharing. There was a question of the importance of silence in our communities. Many of you named the changes in ministries as well as the changes in lifestyles. When asked how these changes came about you named Vatican II and the changes that resulted in the renewal of religious life. Among the movements that are having a significant impact on our religious life today many of you named social changes: immigration, abortion, human trafficking, death penalty, the marginalized, the unchurched, and domestic violence. Other movements involved the breakdown of the family and hunger for spirituality among all ages in an increasingly secular society. Individualism, consumerism, and feminism were also named as well as respect for all creation.

GUIDE FOR READING JEANNE'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY

The following questions are meant to help you in your discussions. Talk about those that touch your life and if there are other insights discuss those. Journal and share in creative ways.

Jeanne Chezard de Matel
Autobiography- COMPLETE WORKS, Vol. 1, 1642
Original Draft of the Autobiography

October 14, 2007

Read Vol. I Chapters 1 & 2, pages 1-5 (up to Footnote #. 25 on page 5) together.

Reflection questions:

October 21, 2007

Read Vol. I, Chapters 3 & 4, pages 5 – 8 (starting with Footnote # 25 and up to Footnote # 42 on page 8) together

Reflection questions:

October 28, 2007

Read Vol. I, Chapter 5, pages 8 – 10 (starting with Footnote # 42 and up to Footnote # 52 on page 10) together.

Reflection questions:

November 4, 2007

Read Vol., Chapter 6, pages 10 – 12 (starting with Footnote # 52 and up to Footnote # 58 on page 12) together.

Reflection questions:

Week of November 11, 2007

Read Vol. I Chapters 7-8, pages 12-18, Footnotes 58-79

Week of November 18, 2007

Read Vol. I, Chapters 9-11, pages 18-22; Footnotes 80-92

Reflection questions:

Week of November 25, 2007

Read Vol. I, Chapter 12-13; pages 22-28; Footnotes 94-110

Reflection questions:

Week of December 2, 2007

Read Vol.1, Chapter 14-16, pages 28-34; Footnotes 111-129

Reflection questions:

Week of December 9, 2007

Read Vol.1, Chapter 17-18, Pages 34-38; Footnotes 130-143

Reflection questions:

Week of December 16, 2007

Read Vol.1, Chapter 19, Pages 38-42; Footnotes 144-161

Reflection questions:

Week January 6, 2008

We see more elements of her spirituality emerging: Scriptural, Trinitarian, Ecclesial, and Eucharistic

Read Vol. I Chapter 20, pages 42-46, Footnotes 162-173

Reflection questions:

1. What was Jeanne’s experience of God as she entered contemplation at this time in her life?
2. How did Jesus say He would be glorified in her? What was an important insight she received during this contemplation?

Week of January 13, 2008

Ecclesial and Trinitarian

Read Vol. I, Chapters 21, pages 46-52, Footnotes 174-189

Reflection questions:

• How does Jeanne use Scripture in order to pray? What are some of the insights she received through the images she uses in prayer? How does she describe her relationship with Jesus/God?
• She says to Him that her heart “expands when it tends to do Your will.” Discuss and apply this to your life.
• How do you use Scripture in prayer? How is your experience of prayer with Scripture similar or different from hers?
• What does her statement about her total lack of formal education say to you?

Week of January 20, 2008

Eucharistic and Scriptural

Read Vol. I, Chapter 22, pages 52-58, Footnotes 190-208

Reflection questions:

1. Jeanne speaks of her joy and delight in prayer, and also of darts and wounds. How can prayer be both sweet and painful? To what does this experience of desolation call her and others?
2. When and how have you recently experienced desolation in prayer and to what do you attribute this desolation? How is the woundedness in one’s life an assurance of God’s plan to enrich one’s spiritual life?
3. We have already seen the influence of Scripture in her life, primarily by a multitude of quotations. How does her use of Scripture differ in her prayer at the bottom of page 53?

Week of January 27, 2008

Read Vol.1, Chapter 23, pages 58-63, Footnotes 209-220

Reflection questions:

1. Discuss Jeanne’s experiences of intense prayer. To what did she attribute this experience?
2. What has been your experience when you have been faithful to Jesus/God?

Week of February 3, 2008

Trinitarian, Incarnational and Scriptural

Read Vol.1, Chapter 24, Pages 63-70, Footnotes 221-250

Reflection questions:

1. In contemplating the importance of John the Baptist as Precursor, what spiritual insight did Jeanne understand which impacted her life?
2. Jeanne uses Scripture and theologizes about what happens during contemplative prayer. How does she describe what happens in contemplative prayer? What is your experience of contemplative prayer?

Week of February 10, 2008

Read Vol.1, Chapter 25, Pages 70-74, Footnotes 251-271

Reflection questions:

1. In her first experience of going out of self, note the struggle between spirit and soul - body. How do you understand this struggle? Have you ever experienced anything of this nature?

Week February 17, 2008

Read Vol. I Chapter 26, pages 74-79, Footnotes 272-286

Reflection questions:

1. 1.“It was only with scorn that my spirit could regard the earth…” (p. 74). What do you think she meant by that based on what she continues to say?
2. 2. Based on 1Cor. 2:14-15 Jeanne reflects “…the spiritual person can judge by this same Spirit and discern good from evil, detecting what is better from what is good.” What does Jeanne’s reflection say to us about our discernment?
3. 3. Jeanne expresses her intense desire to be with God (p. 77). How have you experienced this hunger?

Week of February 24, 2008

Read Vol. I, Chapters 27, pages 79-84, Footnotes 287-313

Reflection questions:

1. 1. According to our understanding of the Paschal Mystery today as entering into the suffering of Christ by dying to ourselves in order to rise to a new life, how does Jeanne express this experience in pages (pp. 79-84)?
2. 2. We speak of Jeanne as a mystic. Based on her experience here, how would you describe a mystic? How can we also be mystics?

Week of March 2, 2008

Read Vol. I, Chapter 28, pages 84-87, Footnotes 314-328

Chapter 29, pages 87-90, Footnotes 329-334 Reflection questions:

1. 1. What is the message or truth for our lives coming from the first two paragraphs of Chapter 28? “You know, dear Love...”
2. 2. What truth is Jeanne stating on page 86? “Let the headaches I have endured…”
3. 3. What teachings and consolation does she give us for our own reflection on page 87?
4. 4. What do pages 88-90 say about her understanding of the Paschal Mystery and her attitude?

Week of March 9, 2008

Read Vol.1, Chapter 30, pages 90-96, Footnotes 335-343

Reflection questions:

1. 1. What insights and experiences did Jeanne have in prayer from pages 90-93? Have you ever had such an experience in your prayer? What was it like?
2. 2. How is Jeanne experiencing consolation at this time? (pp. 94-96)

Week of March 23, 2008

Read Vol.1, Chapter 31, Pages 96-101, Footnotes 344-374

Reflection questions:

1. 1. How do you interpret Jeanne’s experience on pages 96-98? How have you experienced this in your life?
2. 2. What is Jeanne’s relationship to the saints and what impact do they have on our lives? (pp. 97-98)
3. 3. Here and elsewhere Jeanne shows her value of silence and solitude (p. 98). What is the value of silence and solitude in the spiritual life?
4. 4. In Jeanne’s prayer on pages 100-101 she describes her experience of the Trinity. What truth did Jeanne derive from this experience and how is this a part of your spirituality?

The following questions are meant to help you in your discussions. Talk about those that touch your life and if there are other insights discuss those. Journal and share in creative ways.

Week of March 30, 2008

Chapter 32-34, pages 102-107, Footnotes #375-396

Note the Trinitarian, Eucharistic, Marian leanings of Jeanne

1. 1. Daily Communion and confession had a profound influence on Jeanne’s life. How do these two sacraments affect our spiritual life? P. 104, p. 107
2. 2. What were some of the temptations she had and came through which were coming as a result of the culture and times in which she lived? What are some temptations I/we go through today as a result of the culture in which we have grown and developed? P. 106, 107
3. 3. As Jeanne’s prayer deepened she often expressed the need for silence and solitude. How do I/we find/make silence a part of my/our life today?

Week of April 6, 2008

Chapter 35-36, pages 107-113, Footnotes #397-410

Note the incorporation of the Church feasts into Jeanne’s spiritual life

1. 1. How is the experience of Jeanne’s Baptism tied to her experience of deepening prayer on pages 107-109 and what does her experience reveal to us for our lives?
2. 2. What was Jeanne’s price and reward of instituting the Order? What personal desires am I willing to sacrifice to do God’s will? P. 108
3. 3. What powerful experience in prayer on pages 109-113 did Jeanne have to which we are also called? What is significant about: her spousal images and about her being invited into “the hospital for the destitute poor”?

Week of April 13, 2008

Chapter 37, pages 113-117, Footnotes #411-417

Christocentric Trinitarianism

1. 1. Today in Incarnational Spirituality we say Jesus became human so that we might become divine. What was Jeanne’s experience of this spirituality and the Trinity on pages 114-117? “It is my Divine Father who draws you to Me through the Holy Spirit.” “You know, my beloved, that no one comes to Me unless drawn by my Father, and that no one knows the Father except those to whom it pleases Me to reveal his paternity.” What is my reaction/response to this understanding of this Christocentric Trinitarian Spirituality and how does it give me hope?
2. 2. What is your experience of this statement on page 114: “If certain veils remain, it is to prevent these great illuminations from blinding them with too much light. Thus, your splendors are modified…your ardors may be tempered”?

Week of April 20, 2008

Chapter 38, Pages 117-121, Footnotes #418-429

Vision of the Order

1. 1. How do I interpret the symbolism of Jeanne’s vision in prayer on page 117? A part of her vision was the birth of the Order to which she likened to the experience of Abraham…”to make her the mother of a multitude of daughters like stars shining in this faithful Order” …”to make him the father of many nations…”Thus would be his First Born introduced into the world once again through the Institute which would be an extension of the admirable Incarnation. P. 118 How is this coming to pass today in the Order?
2. 2. The “birth of the Institute” came about after much pain. The “growth of the Institute or Order” continues even now after much pain. P. 120 Reflect on the history of the Order from its inception through today and share some of the growth pains experienced in history and how God in His goodness continues to nurture us with His love.
3. 3. Humility is one of the virtues she recommends to us. How was hers sustained in view of the many graces…she received? Jesus often humbled her and she always admitted her nothingness. On page 119 Jeanne speaks of being humbled. How was her humility sustained in view of the many graces she received?

Week of April 27, 2008

Chapter 39, pages 121-125, Footnotes #430-438

Jeanne’s Prayer in preparation for the founding

1. 1. As the time approached for Jeanne to begin the Order, the Incarnate Word exhorted Jeanne to ground herself in the Trinity in love so as to prepare herself for the storms ahead. P. 122 Comment on the relevance of this loving exhortation in today’s world.
2. 2. Also in her prayer as she reflects on founding the Order in 1621, what are the reassuring words that Jesus gives Jeanne? Pp. 123-124 How does this give us hope?
3. 3. Note the last paragraph on page 124. We say that our spirituality is ecclesial. What does that mean for you?

Week of May 4, 2008

Chapter 40, pages 125-129, Footnotes #439-457

1. Discuss Jeanne’s fear of losing the counsel of Father de Meaux. Pp. 125-126 How did this loss prove to be a blessing? P. 129 Have you experienced a similar deprivation; in the end what has been the spiritual outcome for you?
2. What fears did Jeanne experience concerning the call to establish the Order? Pp. 126-127 How did she overcome these obstacles? P.127
3. What was Jesus’ message to Jeanne regarding the cross? P. 128 What role did St. Michael play in establishing the Order? P. 129

Week of May 11, 2008

Chapter 41, pages 130-134, Footnotes #458-474

1. The Blessed Virgin presented Jeanne to the Blessed Trinity. What was the role of each Person in her life? Do you recognize “Mother, Daughter, Spouse in our devotions? Pp. 130-133
2. What is the significance of “twelve” of which she writes? P. 131-133
3. Discuss the birth of two peoples as conceived by Jeanne. (footnotes 473-475) How do you see us as a Congregation living this out today?

Weeks of May 18 and May 25

A Scheduled Break

Revisit Chapters 1-41 in Jeanne’s Autobiography. These chapters cover the period of her life up to 1624. We will now take a two week break before beginning our next study.
In June we will begin reading Jeanne’s letters in Volume 3. We will read the first letters which cover the Period of Young Adulthood October 20, 1620 to March 1624. This is the same period that we read about in her autobiography.

Jeanne Chezard de Matel – Collective Letters COMPLETE WORKS, Vol. 3, 1620-1669 Letters from the Period of Young Adulthood (1) October 20, 1620 March 1621

STUDY GUIDE FOR READING JEANNE’S WORKS

To help in reading Jeanne’s letters:
• Read the Foreword pp. i-iii
• Be aware that at times Jeanne writes in first person and at other times she writes in third person.
• Be aware that indentations are used to indicate long quotes in Jeanne’s letters.


Week of June 1

Background, Letter 1, pp. 1-9 Note the similarities between these letters and volume 1. Compare her discussion of the Holy Spirit being her nurse on page 8 in Letters and Vol. 1 page133 in her autobiography.

1. What was Jeanne struggling with in this letter? What does this say to me about being aware of my attachments and what I must do?
2. It seems that Jeanne’s style of writing about her prayer experiences was a source of confusion for some of the priests with whom she was in touch. How did Jeanne handle that? What inspiration does this experience give me for my life?

Week of June 8

A Scheduled Break – Retreat

Week of June 15

Letter 2, pp. 10-25

1. Note how Jeanne gives an account of her spiritual experiences throughout the day – morning, noon, and evening. How do you reflect on your daily experiences?
2. Note again another example of the correlation in volume 3, page 14 and volume 1, page 106-107 in regard to her struggle in daily communion.
3. How did Jeanne understand and apply Paul’s words from Romans 9:3? What was her response? P.15
4. Jeanne often speaks of her longing for Holy Communion. Discuss this in light of our title. Pp16ff
5. What did Jesus have to say about women? Pp. 20,22

Week of June 22

A Scheduled Break

Week of June 29

Letter 3, pp. 25-32

1. What is at the bottom of her experience of struggle and desolation in her spiritual life and what is she asked to do as a result? Pp. 28-29 What insight does this give me regarding my own experience of desolation?
2. What were some insights about herself that Jeanne came to as a result of her desolations? What insights have I come to as a result of periods of desolation in my life? STUDY GUIDE FOR READING JEANNE’S WORKS
Letters to Father Bartholomew Jacquinot, S.J.

NOTE: Your group may choose to discuss any of the following questions.


Week of July 6

Scheduled Break

Week of July 13

Letter 4, pp. 32-39 November 29, 1620

1. How was the physical body viewed in relation to spiritual growth at that time in contrast to how the Church today views it? What role/purpose did the discipline play in Jeanne’s life? (pp. 32-33) What role does mortification and penance play in our growth in holiness today?

2. (pp. 34-37) How was saintliness viewed then and now? How does Jeanne handle unwelcome praise and criticism? What advice did she get? (p. 37) How do we react/respond in similar situations? Note the many times that Jeanne has recourse to prayer for herself and others. (pp. 33,34,36,37,38,39) Reflect on our prayer for self and others.

3. How did Jeanne’s confessor respond to her desires (see bottom of p. 34 and top p. 37)? How was this a preparation for her life’s work? What we prefer is not always a part of God’s plan for us. How do we respond to God’s plan in our life?



Week of July 20

Letter 5, pp. 40-45 December 7, 1620

1. Note Jesus’ response to Jeanne’s reception of Him in the Eucharist. (p. 41) Even though we may not experience the emotional effects in our prayers at Communion, how can we relate to her prayer of devotion?

2. Jeanne understood that her Spouse wanted to be “grafted” into her and into the Jesuits. (p. 41) How was Jeanne being called to be a more productive branch? Liken this to the relationship of God to creatures.

3. Jeanne’s spirituality led her to follow closely the Liturgical year, especially in the lives of the saints. Comment on the impact of the lives of the Saints a) in Jeanne’s time, b) when you were growing up, and c) today.

Jesus gives a remarkable insight into the relation of the Saints in heaven to us! (p. 42) What are your thoughts on this?

4. Notice the dialogue between Jesus and Jeanne concerning humility. (pp. 43, 45) How do you understand humility in comparison with Jeanne’s?

5. Why did Jesus say that the Jesuits were expected to be holy? (p. 43) What does this say to us?



Week of July 27

Letter 6, pp. 46-57 December 24, 1620

1. What are some of the truths of faith Jeanne was expressing about our Lady during the Octave of the Immaculate Conception when she was experiencing great sadness. What was she experiencing in her own life? Do you relate to her experiences in any way? (pp. 46-47)

2. Recall the story of Jeanne’s visit to a sick girl. (pp. 50-51) How did she handle this difficult situation?

3. What was Mary’s role in this chapter? What struck you most about Mary’s role in the life of Jeanne?

4. The rosary (p. 54), receiving the Sacrament of Penance (p. 55), the saints, eating only a few crusts of bread (p. 55) were important in Jeanne’s spiritual development. What relevance do these (and others) play in our spiritual formation?

5. How does Jeanne identify herself with St. Thomas’ faith in the risen Lord? (p. 56) What were some other consolations she experienced in prayer? How do these compare with your experience of consolation?



Week of August 3

Letter 7, pp. 58-60 December 26, 1620 Letter 8, pp. 61-71 January 6, 1621

1. What has brought about genuine peace to Jeanne as she contemplated her imperfections? (p. 58) What have you experienced when you have come to know yourself more deeply?

2. Jeanne speaks of an intense fire burning within her after Communion on Christmas Day which made her restless. (p. 59) What was this about? Have you ever had an experience such as this?

3. Jesus says, “I have carved you on my hands”…Hands represent generosity and I give you everything and make you My almsgiver. Give of my fullness to others.” What is all of this about? (p. 60)

4. Read and discuss the beautiful teaching given on pages 61-63 concerning the Holy Spirit, Mary and St. John. What were two reasons why John received the Holy Spirit at the Last Supper?

5. What does Jeanne understand about the Holy Innocents’ sacrifice of reparation? Who made up what was lacking in the sacrifice? (pp.63-64) On pages 65-69 Jesus reveals his humanity on several occasions. Which one struck you the most?

6. Her life seems to be framed by the Liturgical year. What examples of this can you find? What role does the Liturgical Year play in your life? How can it become more a part of your life?



Week of August 10

Letter 9, pp. 71-78 January 12, 1621

1. A sign of Jeanne’s struggle with the culture, which influenced the views and understandings of her time is shown on pages 71-72 in which Jeanne receives the beautiful “Book of the Hours”. How does she reconcile accepting it considering both humility and charity?

2. How does Jeanne view the Church as a garden? What images and their symbolism are brought out? (pp.72-73)

3. Describe Jeanne’s meditation on the piercing of the Lord’s side. (p. 73)

4. In her prayer on pages 74-75, Jeanne struggles with growth in discernment, dealing with the fickleness of people, human respect and people-pleasing. What was the insight Jeanne had? What was the significance of the ash-colored road? Have you experienced a similar road in your life – recently or past?

5. How does Jesus explain His longing for us? (p. 75)

6. She appears to have had a very delicate conscience and a sensitive nature. What examples do you find of each?



August 17

Scheduled Break



Week of August 24

Letter 10, pp. 78-85 February 24, 1621

1. pp. 78-81 Jeanne’s prayer focused on saints/feasts of the day and the liturgical Year (Presentation, St. Ignatius, St. Agatha, St. Dorothy, Septuagesima Sunday) and others. How can this example be a source of spiritual nourishment for us?

2. p. 79 and 91 Jeanne became aware of the call to strip herself of all things, even her own special and personal gifts based on her reflection that Jesus was called to be poor. How do you practice this stripping of self?

3. pp. 80-81 The Incarnate Word tried to teach Jeanne obedience in small things, poverty of spirit and chastity. How do you account for the struggles Jeanne was having regarding chastity since earlier she had experienced no such inclinations? What was Jesus’ response to Jeanne’s struggles with these temptations? How does this experience coincide with your experience in relating with others, especially with men?

4. p. 82 How do you reconcile Jeanne’s words from her reflection on the Last Supper and the Passion with the belief that God is a loving Father? How do you reconcile the mystery of suffering with the image of a loving God?

5. pp. 83-84 Jeanne became aware of the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist and was permitted to receive him daily. Later she made a connection of this gift to visiting a sick person. How can we also make a connection between the gift of Eucharist and the corporal works of mercy?



Week of August 31

Letter 10, (Cont.) pp. 86-93 February 24, 1621

1. pp. 87ff We say that Jeanne’s spirituality is ecclesial. How/where do we see the importance of the Church in her thoughts and prayer?

2. pp. 88-89 She continues to speak of arrows, darts and assaults as in volume 1 p. 88. Even Jesus says “you’ve wounded My heart by your repeated acts of love and obedience.” Discuss the meaning of good things wounding us and our good wounding Jesus.

3. To bring harmony to people, we invite them to eat and drink together. “Now if that can be accomplished by ordinary food and drink, how much more will the most powerful Bread and Wine and the Host of Peace be able to bring about peace?” Discuss

4. p. 89, second paragraph, Is Jeanne’s understanding of the merits of the Mass different from ours? Discuss.

5. pp. 89-90 We must not seek a permanent dwelling in this world; on the contrary, we must be pilgrims; i.e. (A) David fled from his enemies, from Saul and his son Absolom, (B) Incarnate Word fled from Herod. Discuss

6. pp. 91-92 Jesus describes the signs of love He gave to Judas even though He knew Judas would betray Him. How could He do this? We must imitate Jesus in all things; how can we show this kind of love and forgiveness in our lives?



Week of September 7

Letter 11, pp. 93-102 March 1621

1. p. 94 Jeanne says about herself: “Nothing in heaven or on earth consoles her as much as being alone with her Savior.” Is this always true for you? Reflect and share on your times and places of prayer.

2. pp. 94-95 Jesus’ temptation in the desert prompted Him to say that “human beings did not live by bread alone but by every word that came forth from the mouth of God”; but to “nurture human beings He would change bread into flesh and into the Word coming from the mouth of God.” What words recounted in scripture are most expressly dictated by God?

3. p. 95 How and why did Jeanne conquer her sadness? Does this show us something we can do about our feelings or moods?

4. p. 94 and 98 Jeanne twice mentions stopping the recitation of the Office. What does this tell us about the importance of vocal prayer in our lives?

5. pp. 95-96 What role does St. Michael play as Jeanne meditates in preparation for Communion?

6. p. 101 How did Jeanne understand Jesus’ divinity as she contemplated the Transfiguration?

Read pages 103-104 Letters from The Period of Young Adulthood (2) 1621 through March 13, 1624 Background to the Letters to Father Philippe de Meaux, S.J. 1621-1624 Background to the Letters to Father Guillaume Bohet, S.J. 1621-1622

Week of September 14

Letters 12-14, pp. 105-112 1621 March 12, 1621 March 18, 162

1. p. 105 Jeanne seems to want to be raw material in God’s hands, how does she see herself accomplishing her desired goal?

2. p. 106 Why does Jeanne want to discontinue going to her confessor? What are the implications?

3. p. 108 Jeanne was favored by God despite her sinfulness and imperfections. Why does Jeanne consider herself receiving special favors?

4. p. 109 Discuss the example where Jeanne conquered her feelings in order to be obedient to her spiritual director.

5. pp. 110 -112 In humility Jeanne recognizes her faults and imperfections, but Jesus brings her to a more perfect obedience. What is she willing to give to attain that perfection? What about me?



Week of September 21

Letter 15-16 pp. 112-117 March 19, 23, 1621

1. p. 113 Jeanne is touched by human respect – cite examples. What is Jesus’ response to the decision she and her spiritual director had made? Are we sometimes influenced by what others might say or do?

2. p. 114 What is Jeanne’s understanding of St. Joseph’s role in the life of Jesus and Mary?

3. pp. 116-117 Jeanne continues to use symbols – name them and their significance.

4. p. 117 Jesus tells Jeanne: “To your neighbor, your prayers and good example are like a flaming torch, inviting all to come to Me…” Could He say the same to me? How do I invite others to come to Him?



Week of September 28

Letters 17-18, pp. 118-123 March 24, 25, 1621

1. p. 118 Jeanne repeated several times: “Let me know You; let me know myself.” Do we pay close attention to what we can learn about ourselves and our faults through our Sisters and others?

2. pp. 118-120 Why is Jeanne questioning her affection and relations to her director? How does Jesus guide her in this matter? How is she convinced that his spiritual direction is for her benefit?

3. Growth in the spiritual life is a life-long process. We too must guard our hearts against inordinate loves while we show love for all and exclude no one from our charity. Discuss

4. pp. 122-123 What is the reproach as Jeanne struggles with revealing her interior life? What is the advantage of being a transparent crystal? Reference is made to graces received if the soul freely cooperates with God rather than being commanded to love. How does this relate to the vows? To living in community?

5. pp. 122 What thoughts surface within you at the phrase “Solitude is good when you are at peace,… When is it not? Share

6. pp. 123 What thoughts surface within you at the phrase “…humble yourself, and in this way acquire victory over your nature.” Share. What place does humility have in our congregation? In myself?



Week of October 5

Letters 19-20, pp. 124-127 March 28, 1621 Easter Tuesday 1621

1. p. 124 Why does Jeanne seem to struggle with revealing her interior yearnings?

2. p. 124 Reflect on the quote: “ When you leave yourself, you lose nothing but you will gain all. When you leave behind all created things, you will possess the Creator with a hundredfold of graces in this world and life eternal in the next. Share your experiences.

3. p. 125 Do I allow myself to be a channel through which God can pour out his graces on all those whom he wants to favor?

4. p. 126 Jeanne shares her experiences after she asks God to “close the doors of my senses to all but Him and to enter into her soul.” How does silence, recollection fit into the picture today?

On page 126 Jeanne describes her vision and reflects on the cause of her vision. Enclosed is a handout compiled by Sister Kathleen McDonough discussing visions and locutions in an attempt to better understand these experiences of Jeanne. Discuss.



Week of October 12

Scheduled Break

Week of October 19

Scheduled Break

Jeanne Chezard de Matel – COLLECTIVE LETTERS COMPLETE WORKS, Vol. 3 Read pages 127 - 173 Letters to Father Philippe de Meaux, S.J. 1621-1624

Week of October 26

Letters 21 – 23 pp. 127 - 133

1. Letter 21 How did Jeanne overcome her sadness? How does the quote “I do the wrong that I hate, and I do not do the good that I love” fit into becoming holy, into growing in humility, etc? p. 127 Discuss the role of our bodies in our prayer, in Jeanne’s. What is the significance?

2. Letter 21 p. 128 Comment on the statement “Because the mark of the Good Shepherd is to care more for His lambs when they stray than when they are safe in the fold. (cf. Jn. 15:12-15) He must, even at His own expense, comfort them and even carry them as I have done. (cf.Lk. 15:3-7)” It is easier to care for those who don’t stray or who only stray a little – who is Jesus calling us to care for in our society today? We are called to do this even if it is at our own expense. What might it cost us?

3. Letter 22 p. 129 Discuss the temptations and struggles which continue to plague Jeanne and how she overcame them. What can you draw from this event for your own life, particularly the statement, “Didn’t you believe that I would draw you from natural love to a higher love, even though it seemed that your heart of flesh was wide open?” What encouragement in this letter was she given and how can we interpret these words for us today?

4. Letter 22 p. 130 “After Communion as I held the Sun of Justice in my mouth, I turned my heart to its divine rays, and tears flowed from my eyes.” Why do you think Jeanne referred to Jesus as the “Sun of Justice” and what might this title have meant for her in the Church of her time? What does this title imply in the Church today?

5. Letter 23 p. 132 How did Jeanne understand Jesus as comparing Calvary to the Mass? What is the teaching of the Church on the Mass today?

6. Letter 23 p. 132 Praying for the conversion of souls, for heretics was an important part of Jeanne’s life and spirituality. How does this fit into the Church’s spirituality? How does this fit into the asceticism of the Congregation? Your spirituality? How frequently do I/we pray for God’s will in relationship to people’s health, situations in life, etc?



Week of November 2

Letters 24 – 27 pp. 134 – 140

1. Letter 24 p. 134 Comment on the change of perspective on the Mass and other devotions, such as the Office of Blessed Mother, the rosary.

2. Letter 24 pp. 134 – 135 In her meditation on Jesus’ accepting Pilate’s judgment, Jeanne uses an analogy of a court scene in which she recognized her inconsistency of desiring to love Christ on the one hand and at the same time her natural disposition toward self-defense and self-love. Although you may not use the symbolism she uses, what aspects of her personal insight ring true with your experience? In what way does her insight encourage you?
3. Letter 24 p. 124 Jesus was falsely accused, unjustly judged. Who in our society might be/are subject to false accusations/judgment?

4. Letter 25 pp. 135-136 In examining her conscience, Jeanne states that she blamed someone for something this person had not done and was praying the rosary for this person. At the same time she experienced God reproving her for the way she prayed for the person. What was the replacement of Jeanne’s tepidity in prayer?

5. Letter 25 p. 136 What is the meaning of “only those (can do so) to whom I come down and then cause them to ascend by true humility and pouring out of self...”? How does this connect with the Examen of Conscience?
6. Letter 26 p. 137 Jeanne had a keen awareness of the presence of the saints and their involvement with us. How do we experience this involvement of the saints?

7. Letter 26 p. 137 Growth in holiness at times calls us to be childlike in our relationship with the Lord, with our spiritual director/confessor. What assurance of confidence does Jeanne experience concerning her confessor?
8. Letter 26 p. 138 What do you think Jeanne meant by her needing to “despise herself” in order to love Him Who “despised Himself” for her? How might we reinterpret that statement today?

9. Letter 27 pp. 138 – 139 Discuss how Jesus consoled Jeanne. Is that a consolation to you as a person? In your ministry? What is your understanding in having spiritual direction today?



Week of November 9

Letters 28 – 30 pp. 140 - 146

1. Letter 28 p. 140 What was Jeanne’s foundation of her spiritual peace? What is your/our foundation?

2. Letter 28 p. 140 Jeanne speaks of Jesus treating her like the captives in Is. 61:1 and what gifts would come to those who assisted her. We do not do our ministry for rewards, yet how can we, in our world today, do what Isaiah speaks of: heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to captives, release to prisoners? If one’s charity could prompt one to have patience with the “1000 boring moments” of Jeanne’s faults, what about if, by our charity, we could have patience with the “boring moments” of the criminals, downtrodden, poor, immigrants, abused, sinners in today’s world?

3. Letter 28 p. 141 Follow the advice Jesus gave to Jeanne: “Reflect on how loved you are…” Consider on whom He gives His gifts.

4. Letter 28 p. 142 How did Jesus compare Jeanne to Peter? How did Peter respond to Christ’s three-fold question? Jeanne recognizes that her weakness is contrary at times to her resolutions – how does this compare to St. Peter’s resolve? How consoling is the discourse of Jesus to you?

5. Letter 29 p. 144 In our world of sophistication, independence and individualism, can we be as childlike as Jesus says we must be in order to enter Paradise? 6. Letter 29 p. 144 Comment on the significance of the ladder.

7. Letter 30 pp. 145 – 146 How does Father de Meaux’s command for Jeanne to be joyous have anything to do with obedience?

8. Letter p. 146 How can Jeanne say that she was “still sad” and “alas, we have to suffer” when she had just said that “After my Communion…He had kept me in heaven with Him”?



Week of November 16

Letters 31 – 33 pp. 146 – 154

1. Letter 31 pp 146-147 What are some of Jeanne’s reflections on the Holy Spirit within the context of the Trinity that caught your attention in Letter 31? How are you conscious of the Holy Spirit in your life?

2. Letter 31 p. 148 Focusing on the phrase: “Father of the poor, and their hundredfold recompense”, how can we communicate this to the poor – that God is our Father and God promises us a hundredfold recompense?

3. Letter 32 p. 149 What steps might Jeanne have taken in order to attain the sanctity of St. Clare? What implications are there for us?

4. Letter 32 p. 150 What gives value to childlikeness or virginity?

5. Letter 33 p. 152 Jeanne said she was ‘simultaneously dying and living’ and ‘lost herself in praise of the divinity’. What is the truth underlying these statements for her and us? How did she understand her calling at this time and what did she learn was to give it balance? What implications can be drawn from this understanding for ourselves?

6. Letter 33 p. 153 Discuss the symbolism of the tower of ivory and its significance to Jeanne.



Week of November 23

Scheduled Break

Week of November 30

Letters 34 – 36 pp. 154 – 160

1. Letter 34 p. 154 Jeanne seems to be having a struggle with having affection for her Spiritual Director. As a result what insight did Jeanne have regarding love of God and neighbor? What is your experience regarding her insights?

2. Letter 34 p. 154 Jesus said “to love everyone for love of Me”, and St. Paul spoke of dying for his neighbor, and saw Jesus crucified in each person. Whom must we love?

3. Letter 34 p. 155 What assurance does Jeanne get that “the rod of blame and the stick of sadness” are from the Lord? Discuss the applications for us.

4. Letter 35 p. 156 Why was Jeanne pained when her spiritual director would say, “Do whatever you will”? How does this impact you in your desires?

5. Letter 35 p. 157 From what the Lord tells Jeanne about contemplation, what is the understanding of contemplation in your life? How do perseverance, humility and submission fit in?

6. Letter 36 pp. 158 – 159 What motivated Jeanne to remain in church for more than two Masses?

7. Letter 36 Why did Jeanne see herself as the greatest of sinners? What were her reflections regarding her responsibility? Have you had similar experiences of your status before God?



Week of December 7

Letters 37 - 39 pp. 161 – 167

1. Letter 37 pp. 161 – 162 Jeanne believed that God hears the prayers of His faithful. Discuss her dream/vision of the soul of Henry IV. It behooves us to pray for our country and our leaders.

2. Letter 38 pp. 162 – 163 Explain the two nets of which the Lord speaks. How does this apply to us?

3. Letter 38 pp. 163 – 164 Jeanne had her share of being misunderstood, especially when gossip entered the picture. What effect did this gossip have on Jeanne? How does gossip affect me?

4. Letter 38 p. 164 What was the difference of Jeanne’s spiritual encounter with her Lord and that of Magdalen? What is the message for us?

5. Letter 38 pp. 164 – 165 Jeanne faults herself with being “still so deeply rooted in this earth in spite of so many flights (of spirit)…” How “deeply rooted” are we/am I “in this earth”? What attachments hold us/me?

6. Letter 39 pp. 165 – 166 Jeanne experiences some difficulty in revealing her innermost thoughts to her confessor/director; is this the same for me? Why?

7. Letter 39 pp. 166 – 167 How does Jeanne show her total submission to her confessor?



Week of December 14

Letters 40 - 41 pp. 167 – 173

1. Letter 40 p. 168 What advice did Jeanne receive from the Incarnate Word that would compensate for her eagerness to fast?

2. Letter 40 pp. 168 – 169 Jeanne’s growth in holiness was not always without pain and humiliation as she related her relationship with her spiritual director/confessor. What does this say to us on our journey?

3. Letter 40 p. 169 How does Jeanne handle the experience of being slighted by her confessor?

4. Letter 41 p. 170 – 171 What did the love of His Apostles motivate Jesus to do before leaving them? What about us?

5. Letter 41 pp. 170 – 171 Reflect with Jeanne on the value she placed on Mass and Communion and the practice of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Discuss the importance of our own directive of attending daily Mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

6. Letter 41 p. 171 Jeanne refers to her imaginative vision on page 171. Refer to the handout on Visions by Sister Kathleen McDonagh, IWBS.



Week of December 21

Scheduled Break

Week of December 28

Scheduled Break


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