ITL COMMUNITY IN THE PHILIPPINES

By Sr. Delia Chikumbu

Every Christian is called to live in community as a member of the Church. Christ in His wisdom draws each disciple into that particular expression of Community which will be the best means of his or her conversion. Our way of life in this religious community is one of many expressions of the common life in the body of Christ.

We live an everyday life of mutual support and concern for each member of the community. Our core values are centered on Jesus and rooted in the Spirit of internationality. According to what has been imparted to us concerning Religious life and vows, Jesus invites us to discipleship. He leads us to a life of inclusiveness and equality where we respect and support each other.

Like other families with strong faith in God, our life is about love, hope, trust, mutual listening, mutual understanding, awareness, acceptance, compassion, maturity, respect, openness, togetherness, sharing and service to humanity. With knowledge that we are missioned by God to grow in our vocation, we spend time to gather together to practice spiritual exercises such as morning and evening prayer, Holy Eucharist, adoration and rosary. Apart from this, we share talents and resources as sisters to one another and discussing when there is any problem in the community.

With a well understanding of community life, we are aware that community life is more than living together under same roof. It’s about supporting each other’s vocation.

Our relationship is expressed through shared activities which are done as distinct teams, celebrating together during birthday, other indelible individual feasts and discussing when there is any problem in the community.

We live our life inclusively by paying attention to the needs of others. We feel it is important to share life together in the community, while still allowing each member of the community to express herself in her own way. For example we allow each member to use her own method of prayer. This is to say that; one might prefer something meditative while the other might turn to music.

While we are celebrating life in this way, we also experience challenges derived from our diversity and human brokenness.  This implies that like any other community, tension, friction and conflict are inevitable in our community too. All in all, we appreciate and thank God for our differences.

It is through these differences that we learn to be humble before Him. It is through differences that we learn more and help others better.

We feel mature and ready to take up responsibilities in our congregation and give what we have received in these six months.