By Elodie Comoy, Communications Officer, Angers, France (Province of Europe – BFMN)
As the universal Church celebrates a año jubilar and the centenary of the canonization of San Juan Eudes, the family of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd has one more reason to rejoice. On the occasion of the bicentenary jubilee of the founding of the Contemplative Sisters, the Good Shepherd Museum in Angers and the archives department of the BFMN province have joined forces to present a temporary exhibition entitled: “1825–2025: From the Sisters of Saint Mary Magdalene to the Contemplative Sisters, a Path of Recognition."
The image of Saint Mary Magdalene has undergone profound evolution within Christianity, shifting from the portrayal of a sinful woman to that of an Apostle to the Apostles, a witness to the Resurrection, and a model for all women. The Sisters of Saint Mary Magdalene, founded in 1825 by Mother Marie-Euphrasie Pelletier, then Superior in Tours, followed a similar path—one marked by challenges and setbacks, but also by moments of grace and recognition.
The exhibition traces the journey of these women: from penitents who wished to remain near the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, to Contemplative Sisters who became an integral part of the Congregation. Through archives, testimonies, and historical treasures on display, visitors can gain deeper insight into their story, their missionary work (for example, in Algeria), their humble and hidden labor (such as making liturgical garments or working in printing), and their role within the Congregation.
The Sisters were also affected by the major changes of the early 20th century, and it became imperative to clarify the canonical status of the “Magdalenes.” One of the panels explores their path toward official recognition as a branch of the Congregation in an excerpt by Superior General Sr. Marie of Saint Ursula Jung in a circular dated 18 April 1950, addressed to local superiors:
“Your charities are not unaware that the canonical situation of our dear Magdalenes, until now, was not regular, nor that some of them were troubled by the thought that they were not true religious; this situation perplexed certain members of the clergy.”
In the circular letter, she recalls that the matter was raised as early as 1940 with the Sacred Congregation for Religious, which proposed three options. She presents the one just chosen at the General Chapter: the creation of Constitutions for the Institute of the Magdalene Sisters. They would no longer be under diocesan law but would become a “restorative branch of the Congregation of the Good Shepherd,” under the authority of Rome and the Generalate.
Additionally, they would take a fourth vow of celo, in addition to the traditional three (poverty, chastity, obedience), just like the other Sisters of the Congregation. Where possible, there would be a single novitiate per province.
This exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to share the unique story and journey of the Contemplative Sisters of our Congregation with a broader audience. Inaugurated on June 4, 2025, this historical work—led by the archives service in Angers—captivated sisters, staff, and partners-in-mission who attended in large numbers.
Open until September 21 in Angers, this free exhibition invites visitors to journey through and explore the spiritual and historical legacy of the Contemplative Sisters.
