The National Youth Gathering (JNJ) of Peru took place from July 30 to August 2. Our community was invited by the National Youth Ministry to lead times of prayer and, for this purpose, we worked together with the Augustinian Sisters of the Monastery of the Incarnation in Lima. The city that hosted the National Youth Day (JNJ) was Chulucanas, a city of around 70,000 inhabitants located in the north of the country. With an average temperature of 25°C throughout the year, it is best known for the wa

In a few moments Pamela will speak to us about listening, but before that, I wanted to share some thoughts about the Feast of the Transfiguration, that we celebrate today. This morning I took part in the life-commitment of two sisters of the Community of Grandchamp, in Switzerland, one from Latvia and the other from Sweden, whom I had known before they became sisters. It was a great joy to witness them saying yes to Christ to live their whole lives in community. During the service I had to speak

In a moment, Ombara, who comes from Kenya and is spending a year with us, will speak. But first, some thoughts on Sunday's Gospel: Matthew's account of the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus withdraws by boat to a deserted place after learning of John the Baptist's death. He needs time alone, to pray and reflect. But when he arrives, a huge crowd is already waiting — his planned retreat is undone. How do we react when our plans are frustrated? Do we turn inward and grow disappointed, or do we a

During this week, wherever you are from, you have all come with your own challenges. I hope that the times of sharing and common prayer have helped you discover a deeper unity in the midst of your diversity. Listening to people who are different from us can be a real gift. It helps us overcome the barriers behind which we so easily hide and resist the traps of polarisation and prejudice, which promise security but ultimately bring only sadness and isolation. Are we ready for that challenge? Para