The first centenary of the death of saint Theresa of the infant Jesus and the launch

With the approach of the first centenary for the death of saint Theresa of the infant Jesus in 1996 – 1997, preparations for it began with a committee called the centenary committee, composed of: Father Benoit Richa Regional Superior of the monastic order for the Carmelite Father, and Mother, Pauline Fares, the Superior General of the association of the Maronite Nuns of Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus, with the participation of representatives for the Association of Carmelite missionaries of Saint Theresa, and the Carmelite Association of Saint Joseph, the beatification committee and an assembly of Theresa friends namely priests, monks, clericals and seculars. The correspondences were bearing the signatures of the two highest superiors. The centenary committee considered its works ended in January 1997.

Gathering of Jesus My Joy

In a meeting which comprised the two above-mentioned superiors, some Maronite sisters from the monastic order of Saint Theresa and the two clericals Toufic Bou Hadir, Rouphael Zogheib and Mr. Charles Shlala, the attendants adopted a motion tendered by the three friends to institute a prayer gathering for the youth under the name of” Jesus My Joy” as a fruit for the centenary year, and the above – mentioned persons with some assistants were charged with the preparation of the gathering under the supervision of the participating monastic orders. The clerical Toufic Bou Hadir was nominated a coordinator for the first gathering of Jesus My Joy, which took place in Don bosco – El Housoun and gave abundant spiritual fruits.

After the success of the first gathering Jesus My Joy, the Superiors of the participating monastic orders (after the apology from Saint Joseph Carmelite nuns for not continuing the work) met with the coordinator Toufic Bou Hadir, and it was decided to set up gathering 2 of Jesus My Joy, in 1998, and in the same place, with the cooperation of some monks, nuns and seculars. And at the end of Jesus My Joy 2, the responsible persons declared the institution of gathering 3 of Jesus My Joy, which was performed in time. The gathering went on and is still going on.

The need for organization

After the elapse of five years on the institution of the gathering, the responsible persons felt that it must by all means be organized on solid grounds and that a law should be established for it:

Management of the gathering of Jesus My Joy

A superior committee supervises the activities of the gathering of Jesus My Joy, and these activities are managed by an administrative committee and by competent work committees.

The Superior Committee

The superior committee is composed of the following founding members or their representatives:

1. The regional superior of the monastic order for the Carmelite fathers in Lebanon.
2. The general superior of the association of Maronite nuns of Saint Theresa of the infant Jesus.
3. The regional superior of the association of the Carmelite missionaries of Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus from Campi Bizanzio in Italy.
4. And of three founding persons in the gathering namely: the priest Toufic Abou Hadir, the priest Rouphael Zogheib and Mr.Charles Shlala, and they are permanent membership in their personal capacity.
5. One of the members of this committee takes in charge its presidency successively and for a period of one year, which can be renewed. The President will be the spokesman in the name of the committee and the gathering.
6. The gathering considers as well that the Carmel unity in Harissa is an important reference for prayer and spiritual backing for the gathering.

Spirituality of the gathering

The gathering Jesus My Joy prays for inspiration through the spirituality of its patron Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus teacher of the Church and is endeavoring to incorporate it in living and teaching, and it is summarized as follows:

1. Discovery of the paternity of god, his love, his sympathy and his mercy to all people.
2. Living in the school of the Holy Spirit the school of renovation and devotion.
3. Living the invitation to mission of sanctity addressed to all.
4. Living the evangelical simplicity, the spiritual childhood, and joy of submission to the will of god in all the circumstances of life.
5. The comprehension of what Theresa said: “My mission is love. At the heart of the church my mother I will be the love”, and to live practically the fraternal love, sacrifice and prayer for the sake of the church.
6. The life of modesty and the infinity in smallness in such a way as to allow God to interfere in our life likewise Mary who said, “Yes” to God.
7. To be endowed by the apostolic enthusiasm to save the souls and to pray for the return of the sinners.

The life of this spirituality is based on the following means:

1. Glorification of God and thanking him for all his donations.
2. Approaching the sacrament of reconciliation with God, with ourselves and with each other.
3. Participation in faith and joy in the sacrament of communion.
4. Adoration of the Eucharist and wholehearted prayer.
5. Testimony to the transforming and healing work of God in our life.

References from which we derive the spirituality of the gathering:

1. The Holy Bible
2. The complete works of the writings of Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus.
3. Message of his Holiness the pope Jean – Paul II: The science of love.
4. Book of a small way… Great Love.

Constant of the gathering of Jesus My Joy

1. Cooperation of several monastic associations with a number of Theresa friends of priests, clericals and seculars.
2. Adoption of the spirituality of Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus and her life.
3. Revival of the initial spiritual activity; The gathering of Jesus My Joy, takes place yearly the first week end of September with follow – up within the year.
4. Growing the spirit of prayer in the heart of the adhered youth, and to consolidate their accession to their communities and local churches, so that they will become the renewal care in the heart of the church and society.

The Logo

The source of our faith, our hope and our joy is the Risen Christ. He gives us his Holy Spirit who bestows upon us his seven gifts represented by the logo’s colors, the colors of the rainbow that are a symbol of the Lord’s promise to his people.

The heart:

1. It is the heart of Jesus Christ who has a great love for us. Blood and water pour out of it to heal our spirit’s wounds.
2. It is of course the heart of Saint Theresa “Love in the heart of the Church”.
3. It is also the heart of each one of us who should be a messenger of joy, love and liveliness.

The expression "Jesus My Joy" handwritten by Saint Theresa: it is the tangible presence of the Patron Saint and the inspirer of the Gathering, Saint Theresa, who accompanies us and leads us on her road, the road of trust and resignation to God's will.