"Saint John Eudes, Worker for the New Evangelization in the XVII Century, " was launched at the Good Shepherd Convent in Quezon City on November 13, the eve of the 415th birth anniversary of the saint.
Written originally in French by Bishop Luc Crepy of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary and Sr. Marie Francoise Le Brizaut of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, the book was published with the title, "Saint Jean Eudes, Ouvrier de la nouvelle evangelization au XVIIeme siecle." It was printed by Fidelite, Editions Jesuites in Belgium early this year.
The English edition was translated by Sr. Anne Josephine Carr of the Good Shepherd Sisters Province of Great Britain and edited by Sr. Mary James Wilson of the Philippine Province. It was published by the Philiipne Province of the Good Shepherd and printed by Claretians Communications Foundation, Inc.
Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, archbishop of Manila, wrote the Foreword to the English edition. He expressed his hope and prayers, "that the readers of this book will be inspired by the life and teaching of St. John Eudes, and becoming themselves bearers and proclaimers of God's mercy."
The launching in Quezon City was attended by Good Shepherd Sisters, apostolic and contemplative from the different communities, priests and seminarians of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudists), lay mission partners, members of families and friends and girls from the residences.
During the programme, the Temporary Professed Sisters who are in the Philippines for theological studies and internationality experience, led the Invocation. Sr. M. Regina Kuizon, Province leader, gave the Welcome Remarks, highlighting to those gathered that among the great men of the 17th Century were St. John Eudes (1601-1680), founder of the liturgical devotion to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary) and St. Lorenzo Ruiz, (1600-1637) first Filipino martyred in Nagasaki, Japan. Even if the Church will end the celebration of the Jubilee of Mercy, the congregations inspired by St, John Eudes will continue this legacy of mercy and reconciliation.
Fr. Robert Leus CJM, read parts of the Foreword of Cardinal Tagle, who is currently in Rome. Selected texts from Part 1 of the book were read by Sr. Mary James, while those from Part 2 were read by Fr. Ron Bagley CJM.
During the intermisison Eudist seminarians rendered songs with the girls at Ruhama residence while the Temporary professed sisters, performed an interpretative dance,
Copies of the book intended for Sr. Ellen Kelly, Good Shepherd congregational leader and
Fr. Camilo Bernal Hadad, superior general of the Eudists were received on their behalf by Sr. Fe de Paz, Flipina sister missionary to Kenya who is in the Philippines for homevisit and Fr. Rodrigue Azanmasso CJM from Benin, a missionary to the Philippines.
In her thanksgiving, Sr. Lourdes Fabia, Philippine link person to Spirituality Team in Asia Pacific, said that the anticipated celebration of the birthday of St. John Eudes and closing of the Jubilee Year of Mercy are significant and not just coincidence. When St. John Eudes was asked what is Mercy, he replied. " it is Jesus, it is love... Though the Year of Mercy will end, we will continue our many years of expressing God's mercy."
Refreshments followed,
Copies of the book are available at PhP 200 or US $5 each, excluding postage. Write to sec.ph@gssweb.org or call (02) 9136435.