Happy Moye Feast Day!
Today is the Feast Day of our Founder, Blessed John Martin Moye. “In the first ten years of his priesthood, while serving as the curate in three parishes in Metz (France,) Father John Martin Moye walked the wagon-made roads in the vicinity of Metz, learning the diocese of Metz and becoming aware of its needs. One of the appalling realities was the lack of even rudimentary education in the small villages of Lorraine—especially for girls who were relegated to working in the fields since they had no teachers.
He met a young woman—Marguerite LeComte, a Metz factory-worker—who was not well-educated but wanted to be a teacher. In 1762 she accepted his invitation—and God’s—to go to the very small hamlet of Befy about 13 miles north of Metz. She set out to work and got to know the villagers and assess resources. She soon discovered she was the resource. So, on Thursday January 14, 1762, in an abandoned stable given to her by the villagers, she opened a school for any children who could come.”
This was the beginning of “the project.”
“Much has been accomplished by Moye’s daughters because they lean on Providence who always protects and provides. Today, Sisters of Providence and Sisters of Divine Providence minister in 29 different countries on the continents of North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Three thousand Sisters continue to be the face of Providence for the poor, the infirm, the imprisoned, the uneducated, the underserved—women, men, children of all cultures and races—Christians of every denomination, Muslims, Hindi, Buddhists, and those who do not yet know God.” [excerpts from “Our Providence Story” by Sr. Maria Eva Flores, CDP – presented at the CDP 250th Anniversary Mass, January 25, 2012]
The seven Congregations rooted in the charism and spirit of Father John Martin Moye celebrate his Feast Day today and throughout the weekend. Five of the Congregations are headquartered in Europe: Portieux, St Jean de Bassel, Champion, Gap and Ribeauvillé (with Father Kremp). The two headquartered in Texas are here in San Antonio – our very own Congregation of Divine Providence and our sisters/neighbors located on Castroville Road, the Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence.
Long live PROVIDENCE!