On December 27, 2023 in Toupah, Sr Mayie Larregain celebrated 50 years of presence in Côte d'Ivoire.
Sr Mayie arrived in the village of Toupah on November 19, 1973. Together with the Christian community of this small lagoon village, we gave thanks to the Lord for her faithfulness in the mission of Servante. It was a moment of prayer in a Eucharistic celebration, followed by a time of reunion and fraternal sharing. Here are a few photos and a message from the day's chosen one. (Sr Marie Ange Ido, Servant of Mary)
November 1973... November 2023, 50 years ago I arrived in Ivory Coast!!! In 1973, after my perpetual profession, and again for a number of times, I expressed my availability for the mission in Ivory Coast. This time the response of the Superior General was full of hope: "Before the end of my mandate, you will go and try it out." Father Cestac liked to say: "Happy are those who know to wait! And the longer you wait, the more abundant and lasting are the divine blessings”.
On November 27, 2023, we came together for this long period of presence and life in this adopted country, a true gift from the Lord. "You've turned my grief into a dance. Let not my heart be silent, let it celebrate for You, and without end, Lord, my God, I give you thanks!" (Psalm 29)
The welcome was surprising. First, I found a religious community, my Servants of Mary family, and fortunately they were there to teach me the first steps in this new culture that I was gradually discovering. Then there was the meeting with the village community of Toupah and the Christian community... Both of them impressed me, what delicacy for the one who comes from elsewhere, what attention! Life seemed simple and joyful. People I met in casual conversation naturally referred to God: "God is Great", "It is God who knows", "If God wills", "There is God in our lives".
Then it was on to other villages. And there I met the Christian leaders and catechists of the Christian Community and the priest in charge of the large parish. What a commitment in the name of their faith. They had truly met Christ and put themselves at his service. A reminder for me to live my religious consecration with such availability. A moving experience. They are no longer with us but I have known saints.
I was sent to Toupah to work as a midwife at the village health center. I had always had a deep desire to relieve the suffering and to do that I wanted to be a nurse. I was welcomed by Mr. Georges, the orderly. He trained me and I acquired new knowledge. I felt very safe with him. My training in France hadn't prepared me for the job I was going to do. So much so that one day the notables came to call on me.... But it was only after long greetings and casual conversations that they finally told me the real purpose of their visit: "Sister Mayie, you're evacuating too much to hospital". What diplomacy... I was speechless with admiration. Since that day I've tried to get into this culture of patience, diplomacy and mastery of speech, but it's not easy! Have I succeeded? You who see me can tell! Fortunately, Sr Colette was there with Dr Madevat and I sought their advice. They were at the SAPH hospital.
My life at the Health Centre was not a smooth one, and much later I was to find out why. I never lacked help and support. Among others, I owe a big thank you to Father Nicolas Obo, a holy priest. Some people used to say "Sister Mayie is tough", and the sisters would translate that as "mean". I suffered from that. Later on, I understood that this word meant "She's rigorous" and that's how I recognized myself.
I really enjoyed my life in the village of Toupah, and today I'd like to thank you for welcoming me into your home. We have shared both joys and sorrows. Thank you for your friendship, understanding and support. This is also the moment to apologies, to ask forgiveness of those I may have hurt by my behavior or my clumsy words. Abidjan is not far away, but you won't see me in Toupah. But you can rest assured that I have not forgotten you. You are in my heart, and even more so in my prayers. This is true for all the villages I have known and visited. "BIA, BIA, BIA sin sin."
Let's talk about today... I've been in Abidjan since 2004. When we arrived in Dokui in 2005, our host parish was Ste Monique. We found a lot of human warmth there. Every month we would get together with the Presbyteral team, the nuns from the parish and a few lay people for a time of reflection on parish life. This sharing of ideas was enriching and the bonds of fraternity deepened between us. It was already Synodality.
At present I'm at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, at the bus stop Dokui. A place for new encounters. Didn't Pope Francis say: "Life is not a time which passes by, it is a time of encounter". I give thanks for the life of our local Church. You used to say "God never sleeps", and the words of an Advent hymn confirm that "God is at work in this age". Yes, He is at work in this local Church, which is flourishing, with many priests, religious men and women, and parishes that are multiplying. The Spirit is at work. God is calling us today as he did yesterday, and he wants us to be the men and women he needs for his mission. What confidence, and what responsibility! At present, it's easy to count religious expatriates at diocesan gatherings. The Catholic Church is very present in Ivory Coast, in the midst of the Muslim community and other Evangelical Churches.
"You are the Master of everything. By your hand everything grows and strengthens. We are here to give you thanks."
Life in the capital is stressful and tiring. I feel particularly sorry for the workers who have to get up very early and fight traffic jams to get to work on time. And the high cost of living is perhaps more keenly felt in the city. Society, here as elsewhere, is changing.... I hope that cultural values will not disappear.
In this context, what is becoming of the Servants of Mary religious family? It is with great joy that I live with Servants of Mary from Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Benin. For the needs of the mission, some Indian Servants of Mary have come to join us and we form a single family. Our rule of life reminds us that:
"In a world of violence and selfishness, we want to bear witness to the power of the Gospel; our communities try to say that, despite our differences, fraternity is possible under the action of the Spirit." (Consti. n°35)
What do the Servants of Mary do in the Ivory Coast? They are at the service of life: welcoming, educating, consoling, caring, being close to others to awaken the desire to live. Father Cestac, our Founder, wanted us to give priority to the service of women and young girls. As he used to say: "A Christian mother! What a great and holy thing, what a power for good!". Don't be afraid to follow Christ. He is the true source of happiness. Don't be deceived by the false ideas of the world.
I would like to thank the Parish Priest for accepting this celebration on this day. I thank all those who have come to join me in this thanksgiving. I thank the choir and all those who helped to make this event a success. In this Christmas season, let's not forget to say thank you to the Virgin Mary... She has just given us the Emmanuel....God with us!
"In the night of men, He is the Light." (jn 1,5) "Great joy, man is no longer alone, Love comes to enlighten him and share his life." (1jn 4,5 )
This is another good reason to give thanks and remain joyful. Thanks to everyone and please pray for me.
