Born in Grenoble, I entered the Community aged 23.
When I was confirmed at the age of 16 I experienced a true outpouring of the Holy Spirit which changed my life. In a mysterious way I heard God say to me: “Sandrine I trust you to proclaim me to others!” This was serious .I felt great peace and joy, an inner conviction that I had to commit myself to God and his Church.
I started studying in Paris: philosophy followed by secretarial training. During that time I joined a missionary fraternity: a prayer group of young people with whom I had the joy of sharing my faith and participating in evangelization missions. I experienced God’s power in my daily life.
Two unforgettable experiences deepened within me the desire to give my life as a religious :
- a humanitarian experience with “rag men” in a Cairo slum in Egypt with Sr. Emmanuelle whose testimony impressed me so much : give everything for others !
- and a second experience during an incredible week of prayer and sharing with thousands of young people from the whole world during the Youth Festival in Medjugorje. At the end, I was no longer the same ; it was as if the Lord was telling me: “If you follow me I will fulfil you.” I knew I could count on His Faithfulness, so I said “Yes” to Him. Having decided, immense was my joy !
Two years before, during a Holy Week retreat with the Community of the Beatitudes at Nouan-le-Fuzelier, I remembered saying “Lord, if one day you should call me to consecrate my life to you, it is here I shall enter !”
My calling to the Community of the Beatitudes was so strong that one year later I asked to enter and that was twenty six years ago ! So much for God’s sense of humour !
To love in giving and giving with love !
Jesus fulfils the heart of those who give Him everything. As for the hope within me, I have not been disappointed !
Sr. Claire Sandrine
