Chapter 53 of the RB states "...guests, and monasteries are never without them..." Our house was filled with guests this past week. They included an abbot from England and a sister from the Philippines and many others from around the US. All summer we'll have a "full house" as family members visit from out of town, many ministers, sisters and other people on their faith journey take private retreat time, and oblates come for summer community events. And, of course, new people hear of the hermitages and just come to see what they're all about.
The sister in charge of hospitality posts a list of all guests for the community. One day I saw the name "Eunice Shriver"...and then another time there was "Henri Nouwen." Visitors from Europe, Africa and South America aren't all that rare, but ones from Asia and especially Australia, are not an every day occurrence. A few years ago we had a rarity: one weekend we had a guest from each of six continents. I wonder what this summer will bring!
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