Montfortian Family Links

Tragedy in Haiti: a cry heard as far as Burundi

This year, the feast of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort took on a very special character for the Militants of the Holy Virgin*, Burundi. Actually, during the novena in preparation for this feast, the Legionaries, the members of the Fraternity of Mary, Queen of All Hearts and the Militants of the Holy Virgin heard the cry from Haiti. The Brothers of St. Gabriel had become the spokespersons for the victims of the earthquake. Thus has St. Louis-Marie moved their hearts to sensitize them to the needs of their neighbor. Each participant was invited to bring whatever he or she could. The collection would then be forwarded to the Mother House of the Militants of the Holy Virgin for June 30, 2010. Many were able to meet the deadline; others were a little late because of a lack of means of travel. Thus the cut-off date had to be extended until the first week of July.

What is most amazing is that the usual requests made on the occasion of this feast, which are always for the poor, never exceeded one fifth of what has been collected this year for the victims of Haiti. Another happy surprise. The priests usually require that half or even all of the donations be given to the parish CARITAS. This time, in most parishes, the priests have been very generous. Not only did they not ask for anything for the parish, but in addition, they offered their vehicle for transferring the food.

Finally, the event, or rather, St. Louis Marie de Montfort has played a big role in promoting the communion of the members of different agencies involved. Everything went harmoniously and was free!

The Militants thank wholeheartedly St. Louis Marie de Montfort and the Brothers of St. Gabriel, who launched the cry of solidarity for the victims of Haiti!

As with the widow of the Gospel, said Sister Dorothy, the population has been challenged to give the little they have. The donations were made in cash or in food (beans and corn), which was then sold thereafter. And so, to the great joy and pride of all, 1,903,300 francs, equivalent to more or less 1268 Euros, were raised!

This text has been prepared from information provided by Sister Dorothee Harushimana msv, the Superior General of the Militants of the Holy Virgin, Burundi

*Brief history of "The Militants of the Blessed Virgin" - Burundi

In 1959, some young girls, active in the Legion of Mary, who had made the Consecration to the Blessed Virgin according to the spirituality of St. Louis Marie de Montfort, presented themselves to Father Denis Achilles, White Father. He was the spiritual director of the Legion of Mary in Burundi. The girls offered their volunteer services to spread the true devotion to the Blessed Virgin.
In 1961, the Montfort Fathers helped the group to build their first house near the Bishop in Gitega.

On March 25, 1962, three young girls made their first promises as Militants of the Blessed Virgin at Gitega, under the jurisdiction of Archbishop Antoine Grauls, Archbishop of Gitega.
On January 21, 1964, the latter created in Gitega, a diocesan Sodality (Institute), called the "Militants of the Blessed Virgin”.
On December 22, 1973, Bishop Andrew Makarakiza, successor to Bishop Grauls, granted to the Institute a broad autonomy after which the "Militants" had elected their first general superior in the person of Miss Monique Kavankiko, as well as her four councilors.
From the beginning, the Institute was moving to one day becoming "a Secular Institute of diocesan right." The founder, Father Denis, wanted that the members not wear a religious habit or uniform, nor distinctive sign, nor have a religious name. The Militants would continue to work in the various Catholic Action movements, especially in the Legion of Mary, and would accept professional activities in society.
On September 8, 1984, Archbishop Joachim Ruhuna canonically approved their constitutions and on March 25, 1987, he erected the "Sodality" of the Militants of the Holy Virgin as a secular institute of diocesan right.
On May 23, 1992, the Founder, Father Denis Achilles, died in Varsenare, Belgium.

The Militants of the Blessed Virgin is one of the few Institutes born in Africa. The Institute has now celebrated a 25th anniversary of foundation and remains very committed to the spirit of their first foundation. "The Militants try to grow in the love of Jesus and Mary, to spread this love throughout Burundi, based on the strong spirituality of St. Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort " (Decree of Canonical Erection of the Militants, March 25, 1987, signed by Archbishop Joachim Ruhuna, Archbishop of Gitega)

The Superior General of the Militants makes a point to visit the General Council of the Daughters of Wisdom each time she goes to Rome. The Institute considers seriously the bonds that are at the heart of the great spiritual family initiated by St. Louis Marie de Montfort!

This document prepared from the chronicles of the Generalate of the Daughters of Wisdom - Rome