07 June - Born in Auvergne at the end of the 11th century, Gilbert, known as de Neuffonts or de Neuffontaines, is a Norbertine religious, an order founded by Saint Norbert. He took part in the Second Crusade with King Louis VII of France in 1146.

On his return, he decided, by mutual agreement with his wife Péronnelle (or Pétronille), to embrace monastic life. He thus became a Norbertine monk at the Abbey of Neuffonts, which he founded in 1152. For his wife, who became prioress, and his daughter Poncie, who succeeded him in this office, he also founded the priory of Aubeterre, located in the parish of Le Vernet (today in the commune of Broût-Vernet, Allier).

Gilbert lived as a hermit all his life, and was considered a saint following the many miracles and cures that occurred in the hospital he had created to help lepers. From then on, Saint Gilbert became the patron saint of the Bourbonnais. This explains the frequency with which the first name Gilbert used to be used in Bourbonnais (as well as Pétronille or Péronnelle for women). His bones were found on 26 October 1645 under the impetus of the public prosecutor of the order Jean Lepaige. His cult was recognised on 22 January 1728 by Pope Benedict XIII.

 

Message from the Bishops at the end of the Pilgrimage

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, You who have come in such large numbers to take part in this national pilgrimage, as well as all of you who are following it from home through the media. We, the bishops of Madagascar, would like to express our deep gratitude to you for having responded to our invitation and for having brought this jubilee initiated by Pope Francis to life spiritually. With you, we take up Mary's song: ‘My soul exalts the Lord’ and we repeat with her: ‘What shall I repay the Lord for all the good he has done me?’....

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Love and Salvation

Christmas is a great joy, because it is the love of God that has come to us, proclaims Fr. Bizimana Innocent, Provincial Superior of the Salesians Don Bosco of Madagascar and Mauritius, presenting his Christmas greetings. Salvation is accomplished, so life is not in danger of disappearing. It is this love and this salvation that we wish to fill our life so that we have peace.

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Zatti, our brother

The short film "Zatti, our brother" (Argentina, 2020) focuses on one of the most difficult episodes of his life. We are in Viedma, in 1941: at the age of 60, Zatti is forced to leave the hospital he has attended for decades. His faith and strength are tested.

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