Once foreign, now friends
Arriving at the Ignatian Family Encounter, although tiring, was extremely exciting. This is my first time in a world-wide gathering of the Ignatian Family. It is here, in meeting Jesuits and lay partners from across the world, that the universal nature of the Society has made its impact known. We are gathered in a variety of events: workshops, plenary sessions and small group discussions. Obviously, these times are filled with topics of social concern that bridge any physical distance that separates us.
However, the real gift of our being together is the ‘unplanned’ time: the meals, the ‘tea breaks’, the evening liturgy and social. It is here that we learn of one another's sense of humour, of passion, for justice and love of God. I come to know my colleagues’ families, friends, and the things they miss from their home country. It is here that I begin to know them as friends, as true companions, in our work together.
I will be in Africa for a total of two and a half weeks – visiting Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. This time is too short to absorb all that I am seeing and learning of this beautiful continent. However, I know that the most concrete knowledge I will take away is the mental picture of the faces that were once foreign and now are friends; that my work will be enhanced because I will feel empowered to reach out and connect with men and women, religious and lay, who understand the closeness with Jesus Christ that brings us to work for God’s Kingdom.
Carrie Monnette, Detroit Province (USA), Provincial Assistant for Social and International Ministries, 18 January 2007