Associate Claire Fayolle
Our global solidarity podcast series takes us next to France to talk with Associate Claire Fayolle.
Claire is a retired infant and child psychologist. She sent her kids to Catholic school and belongs to a Viatorian parish that she loves. Over time, Viatorians invited her to become part of the Viatorian Community, too. “They asked me to join them, and I thought it’s a very good idea to pray together, to meditate on the Bible together, to think together on mission for poor and migrant people, to prepare liturgy for the parish – and live in fraternity together for some moments each week,” Claire said – she made her initial commitment in 2020.
Some members of the Viatorian Community in France together for an outdoor gathering.
.
The Viatorian Community in France strives to live the charism through ongoing discernment of the signs of the times, and right now, they especially feel called to integral ecology and accompaniment of immigrants. “We try to be to receptive, discerning prophetic signs in what emerges in society, in the Church, and in the world,” Claire said. “We participate in France in ‘Green Church,’ walking to church or using Metro and buses. And we help an association for migrants with lodging, money, administration, and political advocacy.”
In Church life, French Viatorians face the familiar struggle of various liturgical practices and preferences among active Catholics. Claire observes that others are more traditional while Viatorians are more modern, but she hopes that Viatorian inclusion and hospitality can catalyze unity. “With the community and the priests, we try to find, all together, a common style and have celebrations with peace and good spirit,” Claire said. “It is a real job to find union together. It’s a long work, but the life of faith for us is one of a participative assembly.”
.
Hear all of Claire’s reflections in Episode 108 on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. As we continue to connect with each country of the worldwide Viatorian Community, you can listen to the whole playlist on YouTube (linked here and embedded above) or scroll through Episodes 101-108 in your preferred podcast app.