Mary's Tenderness and Joy

In Mary's Tenderness and Joy

Therese Cornille (May 13, 1917- December 4, 1989) was the foundress of the Claire Amitié Homes for struggling young woman workers and of the Claire Amitié Homes for single mothers. Her desire was to help young women — especially those who hadn't grown up with affection and tenderness — know that they had an attentive Mother who loved each one of them personally.

“The more time we spend with God of Love and Mary Tender Mother, the more we will be able to spread happiness around us, in our team, in our homes, and in all of our relationships. And young people will be attracted as if by a magnificent fire that burns, lightens and gives warmth.” (Annunciation 1974)

“Let us strive to have infinite tenderness in our heart; the Lord will reign there or, to be more precise, let us put our heart inside his heart and inside Mary's maternal heart, so that we may possess within us the joy of the Trinity and be able to share it with all our daughters, with all who witness the way we live.” (Christmas 1976)

“Young women will understand that Mary is their mother if, on the day that we celebrate December 8th - the feast of the Immaculate Conception - the anniversary day of the opening of their home, we prepare a very beautiful celebration.” (December 8-18, 1973)

This is how a young woman from one of the homes summed up the situation: “The holidays we spent together changed me somehow. In that atmosphere, I asserted myself and came out of my shell. Even if someone hurts me today, I feel strong enough to speak to the person later and forgive her, instead of going off by myself and suffering all alone.”

by Lucienne Salle