The Prieuré du Bon Pasteur in Prisches was founded as a community by Père René Varenne and Père Jean Lanoy in 1991 and quickly developed into a centre with a vibrant community life. Several years ago, the two priests took up contact with the Old Catholic Church of the Union of Utrecht; in consequence a lively exchange took place about liturgical life and Old Catholic theology.
As a result of this exchange, the community has now been received into the Mission vieille-catholique de France on Sunday, 28th November 2010. Archbishop Dr. Joris Vercammen led the celebration service at the official act of recognition.
At the same weekend all Old Catholic parishes in France (Paris region, Nord / Pas de Calais, Alsace, Normandy, Fraternité St-Vincent de Lerins, the Prisches Priory) which constitutes the Mission vieille-catholique de France (MIVICA) assembled and accepted new standing orders, which should ensure better cooperation. The headquarters of the MIVICA are located in the premises of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe in Paris.
Maja Weyermann