The second day of the Community Life Symposium built upon the previous day.  The first day was devoted to a historical perspective of our community life and to hearing from other communities concerning community life.  Today the participants had an opportunity to hear from each other.  Each province, vicariate, and mission was asked to give a snapshot of their community life today.  

These reports were the fruit of a year long process in many of the units.  Members gathered in district meetings, assemblies, and house congresses to discuss several questions given to them by the General Curia.  The directors, today, reported a synthesis of these conversations.  Each unit was asked to comment on several areas of community life including “a simple life style, understanding of mission houses, engagement with lay associates, expectations of members regarding meetings and gatherings, and expectations on members regarding daily living in community houses.”   Following each report, the plenary assembly engaged in a discussion.

 As is often the case, many members take the opportunity of international meetings to visit with other members.  Sometimes these meetings involve community business and sometimes they are simply a chance to share community time.