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 Homepage | The person | The family | The friends | Sitemap | Search | Contact  News  Year 2005 Français | English | Español |  PrintMarie-Hélène Mathieu invited by Benoit XVI to the Bishops Synod on the Eucharist Marie-Hélène Mathieu, co-founder of Faith and Light, was invited by the Holy Father as a member of the audience at the Bishops Synod on the Eucharist. Before leaving for Rome on Saturday 1st October, she was interviewed by the French television station KTO:  You are one of the four laywomen invited to take part in the Bishop’s Synod on the Eucharist. Why do you think that Benoit XVI asked you to attend? Of course, this invitation took me aback and moved me. Then, I thought that if the Pope was inviting me to this hugely important event, it was above all to lend a voice to those who have none, people who are either physically disabled or even more so those with intellectual difficulties or psychological illnesses. Because of their disability, their apparent uselessness, their cost, society very often despises them, rejects them and even does away with them before or after they are born without hearing their call to be loved, to love others, to be useful. Their longing is the same whatever the race, language or culture. Jesus has a predilection for them. Saint Paul told us that we form a body and that within that body the weakest parts are indispensable and those which seem less honourable should be treated with special honour. Concretely how may disabled persons be allowed to find their place in the heart of the Church, at the heart of communities, at the heart of the Eucharist? What would you like to say to the members of the Synod? First and foremost I really want to listen to them, learn from these Fathers who come from the four corners of the earth, to participate as a single heart in the celebration of Mass, to adore Jesus in the Eucharist with them.  But also, I would like to share with them the treasure that we have received at Faith and Light, at l’Arche, at the OCH; people who are disabled in their intelligence but not in their hearts. They long but for one thing, a relationship and communion with those around them. But beyond that, a communion with Jesus, once they have discovered how much love He gives to them.How important is the Eucharist within Faith and Light? This movement gives rise to communities of intellectually disabled people with their families and young friends meeting in a spirit of friendship, festivity and prayer; they may belong to different Christian denominations. Many Catholic communities meet together on a Sunday, to participate in mass in their local parish. It is essential; they are integrated in the life of the Church. Their presence makes Jesus’ word reality for the parish: “When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind and you will be blessed”.  What are your feelings now, just a few days before your departure to Rome?”It’s a grace from God to be called upon to participate in an event that holds so much importance for the future of the Church. I realise just how small a person I am and I am aware of my inadequacies. A saying by Claudel helped me “The task that you have not chosen is so beautiful that to refuse it is just as impossible as to be arrogant”. But the Word of Jesus has helped me the most deeply: “You did not choose me, but I chose you so and appointed you to go and bear fruit”. I feel the certitude that God never entrusts us with a mission without ensuring at the same time that we have his grace to carry it out. Is there a particular link between disabled persons and the Eucharist? Jesus promised us that he would “remain with us each day until the end of the world”. He has kept his promise through his presence in the Eucharist. He has also kept it through his presence in the weakest and most deprived people. “Whosoever welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me”. When we receive Jesus in the Eucharist, He is calling us to join him and to serve the smallest of those to whom He identifies himself. Another link is the simple manner in which a disabled person welcomes Jesus in the Eucharist within him/her– it’s a real heart to heart relationship. François has just done his first communion. His Godfather whispers to the boy’s mother: “What a shame that the poor boy didn’t understand a thing.” The mother’s eyes fill with tears. François heard it all. He kissed his mother and said “Don’t worry Mum, God loves me just as I am”.  Each of you can measure the honour and trust that Pope Benoit XVI has bestowed on Marie-Hélène, but also the immense responsibility that she has to undertake. Let us promise her our prayers, however poor they may be, during this Synod on the Eucharist. Marie-Hélène also represents the smallest and most humble of those that the Holy Spirit has given to welcome the deep mystery of Jesus in the Eucharist within their hearts. We can gather in our Churches to pray during the Synod. May this Synod be a source of new fruitfulness for each of Jesus’ disciples in particular, and for the whole Church. May we grow to love the Eucharist and look for Unity more and more. |
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