“Taking a risk” is the word that resonated with us at our Congregation back-to-school meeting, because starting community life with a new sister is always a “risk.”
Monique:
For me, this mission is always present. We all need to “grow in humanity,” and we benefit from it from others without always realizing it at the time.
For me, this “education” happens primarily through everyday encounters and without a set plan: through a simple “hello,” which tells the recipient they exist; through welcoming, by being attentive to the person present; through a simple “thank you” to the salesperson or the person who opens the door or lets someone pass (because you’re walking with a cane). For me, this means: you are here, I saw you, you matter.
It’s also in the few meetings I attend (ACAT, Club…), when I can and in my own way, I make sure that everyone can express themselves and be heard.This is even more concrete when I bring communion to a person with a disability. We help each other grow in humanity through our conversations before communion and through sharing the Word of God.
And of course, I hope this also happens through our experiences in community, including sharing about our lives outside of communion.
Denise:
“I’ve arrived in Basse-Goulaine. A new beginning at eighty-something, like so many of us. It’s here that I’m called today to join ‘the path opened by Gabriel Deshayes and Michelle Guillaume.’ A reality and an environment very different from those I had become familiar with. It’s a time to observe and listen, to let myself be touched, through encounters. Little by little, to enter into the life and network of relationships of the community, so present in the parish and the town. To be together an attentive, respectful, and caring presence, trying to give a sign of fraternity. To get to know the people, the places, the activities. And to see what collaborations I can join.”
Raymonde:
For me, I would cite my commitment to teaching French to asylum seekers of all nationalities entrusted to me by the Benoît Labre Association, in collaboration with social workers.
A recent event, linked to the heavy rain of the past few weeks and the desire of those who can read to discover the richness of our vocabulary, prompted me to ask: how can these learners come to class when they don’t have rain gear? They’ll get sick… and to give them the opportunity to enrich their French, a dictionary would be invaluable.This wish, shared within the Community and with others I know, resonates with everyone: rain gear and dictionaries arrive quickly. I even have to say, “Stop!”
Without a doubt, this is Providence in our times. The heartfelt thanks of the beneficiaries reach the generous donors through me.
How can we doubt, Lord, Your presence in our acts of solidarity, lived together, and which we entrust to You in our prayers as a Community?
Together, let us become “watchers to welcome salvation and rekindle our missionary spirit,” helping us to see Christ at work in our lives, in the lives of others, in events… and with all the baptized, proclaim that the future of the world is in God alone and celebrate Jesus Christ who gives Salvation” (according to Constitutions no. 17).