In France, the community of the Little Sister Disciples of the Lamb stands out for its uniqueness. Founded in 1985 and established in Le Blanc in the Indre department, this contemplative community is a pioneer in welcoming women with Down syndrome, offering them the chance to pursue a religious vocation at the heart of the Catholic Church.
For many years, it was a struggle for the Church to recognize the religious vocation of women with Down syndrome. At the origin of this community is Mother Line, a prioress who founded the community with Sister Véronique, who herself has Down syndrome. Rejected by several congregations despite her deep desire to serve God, Sister Véronique finally found her place with Mother Line, who dreamed of an order dedicated to the "little ones." Their collaboration led them to establish a community in Touraine, which became an officially recognized institute of contemplative life in 1999.
The Little Sister Disciples of the Lamb live according to a rule of life combining prayer and work. Their charism is based on the offering of oneself for the "smallest and the poorest," and they find their spiritual inspiration in saints like Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and Saint Benedict. The motto "Ora et labora" (pray and work) structures their days, where intense prayer is interwoven with manual labor.
In their priory in Le Blanc, the community cultivates gardens, raises bees, and creates various artisanal products such as teas, pottery, and natural cosmetics. This year, they launched a line of skincare products, sold under the brand Still’Amoris, which means "the drop of love." Inspired by their devotion and love of nature, the sisters hope to share with the entire world the love that people with Down syndrome can transmit.
A Reflection on the Condition of People with Down Syndrome
In the current context, where prenatal diagnoses often lead to abortions in modern societies and more precisely in this atheistic republic, Mother Line expresses a profound sadness at the decreasing number of children with Down syndrome in France and Europe. In several countries, abortion rates for children with Down syndrome reach between 67% and 85%. Mother Line laments this loss for society:
"These children bring a special unity and love to their families. They are a gift from God, a living message of love."
Through their actions and prayers, the Little Sister Disciples of the Lamb hope to inspire other people, particularly in the United States, where acceptance of people with Down syndrome is more present, according to Mother Line. This recognition is an encouragement to open society and the Church more to the diversity of God's love for each person, especially the most vulnerable.
By living in a balance between prayer and manual work, the Little Sister Disciples of the Lamb embody a presence of love and faith within the Church. Their unique initiative reminds us that every vocation, even that of people with Down syndrome, has its place in the heart of God and in the Church. The sale of their artisanal products, although not covering all their needs, allows the community to partially provide for itself while living in dignity and autonomy, following the example of simplicity and love taught by Saint Thérèse and Saint Benedict.
With Still’Amoris, the community shares their message of faith: "a drop of love for your skin," hoping to touch even more hearts in Europe and perhaps one day, in the United States.