On May 8th 2024 : we commemorated the 30th anniversary of
the Martyrdom of our Sister Paul-Hélène
A look back at a day of testimonies and exchanges,
and the tribute ceremony.
Dear friends,
We would like to share with you the very special day we spent on 8 May, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Martyrdom of Blessed Sister Paul-Hélène Saint-Raymond.
By 3 p.m., a large crowd filled the hall, made up of representatives of the Assumptionist families: Assumptionists, Religious Sisters, Oblates, Orantes, but also Auxiliaries of Charity, Marists, friendly religious communities, AOLAS’s, Fraternities, associates, friends. Sr Paul-Hélène’s family was also there: her brothers, sister, nephews and nieces and great-niece (picture below).
Two videos tracing the lives of Sr Paul-Hélène Saint-Raymond and Brother Henri Vergès were shown, recalling the circumstances of their assassination in the Library of Casbah in Algiers in the early afternoon of Sunday 8 May 1994.
Paul-Hélène Saint-Raymond, Little Sister of the Assumption, Martyrdom of Algeria
Fr. Henri Vergès (1930 – 1994)
After the screenings, the word was given to the audience, and many previously unpublished testimonies were shared:
🔶 People who had lived and some still living in Algeria spoke, recalling the dark years during which 200,000 Algerians were executed, in addition to the Christian martyrs.
🔶 The role of the Monastery of Tibhirine was highlighted, as were the many young visitors who come there to recharge their batteries, breathe an air of peace, and learn about the history of Algeria.
🔶 A Jesuit priest said: ‘If we are still standing in Algeria, it’s thanks to those who came before us’.
🔶 The director of the Institut des Chrétiens d’Orient, who was also present, said he was touched by the witness of faith of these martyrs and declared: ‘the last word will always be Love’.
The crowd then made their way to the chapel for the Eucharist, presided over by the vicar general of the diocese of Nanterre, the provincial of the Assumptionists and a dozen concelebrants. Sr Nathalie Lafforgue, Superior General of the Little Sisters of the Assumption, welcomed the assembly.
At the end of the ceremony, a convivial meeting encouraged fruitful exchanges full of hope, and provided an opportunity to get to know the families of those who had come from France and Algeria.