On the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the apparitions of Sainte Anne in Sainte Anne d'Auray, the spiritual family of the Society of African Missions is participating in the celebrations organized by the Church of the Diocese of Vannes, from July 15th to August 20th, 2023. Why Sainte Anne d'Auray? What happened there? And why is Sainte Anne the patron saint of Brittany?
Sainte Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, is said to have appeared several times between 1623 and 1625 to a devout farmer named Yvon Nicolazic, asking him to rebuild the old chapel that was originally built in 699 by Breton migrants from Great Britain and later destroyed, saying, "God wants me to be honored in this place."
As a sign of this supernatural intervention, she miraculously revealed her ancient statue from the 5th century to six men in the hamlet, including Yvon Nicolazic.
After meticulous investigations, the Bishop of Vannes recognized the reality of the apparitions, and Yvon Nicolazic was given permission to build a chapel in 1625. From the very beginning, there were countless conversions, healings, and graces.
Since that time until today, pilgrims have continued to flock in great numbers to KER ANNA, the village of Anne. The most important day is undoubtedly the feast of the “Great Pardon,” on July 26th, the very day of Saint Anne's celebration. Breton pilgrims take this opportunity to revive their ancestral traditions and honor their patron saint.
On this occasion, inspired by Yvon Nicolazic, witness to the apparitions of Sainte Anne, the Society of African Missions Family, along with the Carrefour des Cultures Africaines, has chosen the theme of transmitting the faith and revisiting the role of grandparents in the education and Christian initiation of their grandchildren. After all, isn't Sainte Anne the mother of Mary and thus the grandmother of Jesus?
To this end, the members of the Society of African Missions are organizing an exhibition and animations for children, offering an opportunity to exchange with visitors on burning questions like: How can we transmit the education of faith like Sainte Anne? In a spirit of dialogue and openness to other cultures, what precious legacies has humanity left us in terms of transmission? What is the contribution of multiculturalism in current modes of transmission?
These discussions have led to numerous exchanges and wonderful encounters with different people who came to discover the exhibition. The children were delighted to leave with a small gift after the workshops dedicated to them.
The exhibition also featured conferences, such as one on the transmission of family, human, and religious values by Marie Rose Abomo Mvondo and Jacqueline Ngo Manym-Ateba, who spoke at the meeting of parents of priests and religious. Other talks included "Transmission among the Peuls" by Fr. Paul Quillet, and "Hospitality as a Transmitted Religious Value" by Bishop Cartatéguy. Many other speakers are also scheduled, including Fr. Etienne Sanda SMA, retired Bishop Yves Marie Monot of Congo Brazzaville, and Bishop Nestor Désiré Nongo Aziaga from the Central African Republic.
Of course, no exhibition would be complete without the African fabric stand, selling pouches, bags, and aprons with the effigy of Sainte Anne, as well as a bookstore with books related to the theme.
This theme of transmission is at the heart of families and the people we meet. Many have participated and appreciated such a debate and the openness it offers.
Our exhibition had to be interrupted on July 25th and 26th to make room for emergency services during the Great Pardon days. However, we lost nothing in exchange, as a spot was reserved for us at the end of the esplanade facing the basilica, where we could set up a tent and continue the exhibition, sales, and animations.
The African and Tamil communities knew how to enhance the festive atmosphere and rejoice the hearts of many pilgrims with their songs and dances.
For the Society of African Missions Family, this exhibition in Sainte Anne d'Auray has been a beautiful missionary experience in a region with deep cultural and Christian roots. For many of us, it has been a time of magnificent encounters and discoveries.
We thank the rector and his team for their warm and fraternal welcome. We have duly noted the invitation for the closing of the 4th centenary in 2025.
