Six months after the beautiful clothing ceremony, the group of sisters had grown to 13. At this time the Fathers Colin were preparing to leave Cerdon and move to the larger town of Belley. The Bishop thought it a good idea for the sisters to go to Belley too. He offered them a place to stay, explaining there was some land he could sell them It was called 'Bon Repos' and included a building or two which needed repair. Father Jean-Claude Colin made a visit to Belley to consider the proposal. On his return he reported that h agreed with the plan for the sisters to make the move. So the preparations and the good-byes began.
It 'was a sad parting for the Marist sisters as they left the place where they had made their true beginning. As for the people of Cerdon, they could not hold bock their sadness and tears. The families of the of young beds novices and linen wanted and to was help loaded carry on their to carts. luggage, In order which to consisted avoid o only lost
flood of tears the travellers left at midnight.
The journey was difficult. They walked the whole way. And the rain poured down. It never stopped, From time to time they took turns in riding on top of the carts. This did not shelter them from the rain but at least they had a little rest. It took a whole day and a half, staying overnight in a village along the way. In spite of the tough conditions, there was never a happier group.
When they arrived in Belley they felt as if they were in a foreign country because they knew no one except the Bishop, and the buildings at Bon Repos needed lots of repair. But there was bread, butter, cheese, oil, vinegar and candles awaiting them and the little group soon got busy making a space to sleep. Aware that they had left everything familiar for the sake of doing something for God, they were filled with joy .
Next day the novices went to the beautiful cathedral of Belley for Mass. From that time on Mass was celebrated each day at Bon Repos - at first, they used a little room and then converted the born into a chapel - it was there just over a year later in September 1826 that those first novices professed their vows as Marist sisters.
The born continued to be used as a chapel for the next 12 years while other extensions were made. Mother St Joseph entrusted all her concerns to God and somehow the buildings were completed in good time and the payments mode. Bon Repos grew and so did Mary's congregation.
Six months after the beautiful clothing ceremony, the group of sisters had grown to 13. At this time the Fathers Colin were preparing to leave Cerdon and move to the larger town of Belley. The Bishop thought it a good idea for the sisters to go to Belley too. He offered them a place to stay, explaining there was some land he could sell them It was called 'Bon Repos' and included a building or two which needed repair. Father Jean-Claude Colin made a visit to Belley to consider the proposal. On his return he reported that h agreed with the plan for the sisters to make the move. So the preparations and the good-byes began.
