Practicing the Rule
15, rue du Palais de Justice
This address is the same as any other for the post man in the small town of Saint-Palais, but it is a privileged place for us Betharramites: the house of Fr. Auguste Etchecopar, second founder of the Congregation, and especially faithful disciple of St Michael Garicoits.
Father Bertrand Salla SCJ tells us how one lives as a Betharramite religious in such a significant place!
Article 2.
Through Saint Michael Garicoits the Holy Spirit has raised up in the Church a religious institute whose particular mission is to reproduce and to manifest the impulse of the Heart of Jesus, the Incarnate Word, saying to His Father: “Ecce Venio”, and surrendering Himself to all His wishes for the redemption of mankind.
“This heart calling from within, from whom we came and to whom we should give thanks for everything is the foundation on which we must build without ceasing and be raised ever higher.”
(Letter of Fr Etchécopar to Fr Magendie, from Bethlehem, 12th December 1892).
“To reproduce and to manifest the impulse of the Heart of Jesus…” This is indeed the vocation of the spiritual sons of Saint Michel Garicoïts. It is a beautiful ideal, but how hard to achieve! As assistant priest in the diocese of Bayonne and specifically in the parish area of Saint-Palais, I try very modestly, to put this into practice. I realize that without the help of the Sacred Heart Himself, I can do nothing good.
Coming into this world, Jesus said: "Here I am." These words are so rich in love, obedience and generosity. And here I have a clear path that I am invited to follow. Despite my limits and my weaknesses, I am pleased to strive to enact the "Here I am" of the Sacred Heart.
First of all, I take seriously the share of the work which is entrusted in parish ministry, especially in some specific points.
1. The preparation of the homily. Pope Francis insists on this in "The Joy of the Gospel." I take the time to read the texts of the Word of God, to dwell on them through reflection and prayer. I also remember the words of St. Michael Garicoïts. I quote from memory: "Holy Spirit, teach Yourself those I go to speak to now".
2. The Eucharistic celebration. I recall the fervor that St. Michael Garicoïts and Father Etchécopar put into it. This helps me to enter more fully into the spirit of the celebration and to be as faithful as possible to the demands of the Holy Church, despite the distractions.
3. In my relationships with people I meet or groups that I accompany in reflection: a word, a reaction, an attitude that can bring a little light.
In all this, I put my trust in the Lord. I firmly hope that God will always make my words and clumsy attitudes bear fruit. This hope makes me say: "Here I am."
Our community of Saint-Palais is located about twenty kilometers from the birthplace of our founder. I have been a regular on the pilgrimage to Labarre since childhood. The pilgrimage takes place once a year. But it's every day that I am called to live in the spirit of St. Michael Garicoïts in our Betharramite community of Saint-Palais. We are five religious men in community: it is the same ideal that unites us. With our qualities and our faults, we try to support each other, to love each other, to put our skills to the ideal of service inspired by our holy Founder and by the Gospel.
In my case, I'm not a great talker. I prefer to apply myself to be as faithful as possible in making small daily services in the community. I find it very important to faithfully participate in the community prayer of the Breviary, three times a day. When I discover something in a reading that could interest my brothers, I share it with them at the table. This can be a form of sharing that becomes of mutual benefit. Indeed, we need to encourage each other.
Our community is based in the home of Father Etchécopar. It is not the stone walls which, by themselves, have an influence on me. They do not have a magical power. However, they remind me that someone important was born here, that he was the favorite disciple of St Michael Garicoïts, because of the depth of his Christian, religious and priestly life.
Thinking of Fr. Etchécopar, the son of the house, keeps me alert, attentive to my religious vocation. It helps me not to let myself lapse into an easy, comfortable and mediocre life. Because human nature is quick to drag us down.
In addition to this, the deceptive and hypocritical callings of the devil are always there. The memory of Fr. Etchécopar is a protective fortress for me.
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