Living Unity in Diversity
In Vitry-sur-Seine, the community of the Little Sisters of the Assumption comprises sisters of Vietnamese, Congolese, Malagasy, Tongan and Beninese nationality.
Intercultural community life, in the light of Saint Augustine
Intercultural community life presents very real challenges. Differences in language, cultural norms, attitudes to time or authority can lead to misunderstandings, unintentional hurt, or a sense of loneliness. What is obvious to one person is not always so to another, and certain ways of speaking or behaving may be perceived as misunderstood or abrupt.
Our diversity is not always comfortable, but it is invigorating and enriching. “It helps me to grow in my relationship with myself, with others and with God. It helps me to step outside myself to live a life of brotherhood.”
The love of God and the love of neighbour are one and the same love. It is the love of neighbour that reassures us of God’s presence within us:
« Do you want to know if you have received the Holy Spirit? Well then, ask your heart!… If it contains brotherly love, be at peace. Charity cannot exist without the Spirit of God. Saint Paul proclaims: ‘The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us» (Rm 5,5) (In Ep. Jo. 6,10 »).
« If, then, you wish to live by the Holy Spirit, hold fast to charity, love the truth, and desire unity so that you may attain eternity (Serm. 267,4 »).
The Little Sisters of the Assumption are called, amidst these frailties, to reflect together on what is being resisted, to cultivate patience, humility, truthful speech and forgiveness, so that, according to Saint Augustine, the community may remain a demanding, yet fruitful, path towards the unity of hearts.
« Your soul is not your own alone, but belongs to all the brothers, just as, in turn, their souls belong to you; or rather, their souls and yours are not souls in the plural, but they are one soul, the one soul of Christ» (Augustin: Letter n°243,4).
Srs Enasi and Isabelle
