ogent
sur Marne is situated in the outskirts of Paris, about 25 miles from
its center. It’s been
8 years that the Xaverians are present at Nogent, who live in a
house that was once owned by the Paulist Fathers. The house, of early 20th century, is surrounded by
big modern condos. Everyone
is jealous of our small green garden, a commodity in these places,
that faces the “Beautiful Road.” The community is of about 10-12 people every year, and
depending on the size of the group, space is normally limited.
The garden provides for some vegetables and some fruit during
the year.
This year’s community is formed by three Xaverians from Mexico, one from the Philippines, one from Spain (already a missionary in Sierra Leone), two from Indonesia, and one from Italy. Fr. Joseph Ibba is the rector of the community. He serves, together with the other priests, the parish of St. Saturnine. The community attends normally the 11:00 am on Sunday at this parish, in order to let ourselves known by the parishioners and neighbors. And every Monday and Thursday there is a group of faithful who attend the masses at our house. A group of friends of the Xaverians is developing slowly, and among them, the professors who teach French to our students.
The chapel is a welcoming corner of the house, and is a point of encounter with each other and with the Lord for morning and evening prayers. Being a house of studies, time flies quickly. The daily commute to the school in Paris takes about an hour. House cleaning and cooking is done in turns, shared by all, even though a cook comes for daily noon meals. Because of the international composite, often enough we have the chance to experience “different and varied” foods!
The relationships in the community are much exquisite. There are difficulties in communication, especially in the First quarter of School, but that does not stop us from trying to share with each other, no matter what, until one is capable to listen, speak, express feelings, and even “dream” in French, our common language. And when the goal is achieved, people are ready to leave, and follow their call as missionaries in many lands. The study of a language opens doors to enter the soul of a people, and helps us appreciate the values and limits of our own cultures.
And that’s why we have our house of studies in Paris.
(from "Missionari Saveriani", Xaverian monthly from Italy)