We ended up sharing our meal last evening with a group of about twenty “Poor Clares”—these
are Catholic sisters who follow the monastic rule established by St. Claire of Assisi. The sisters had assembled from all over Africa for a month-long meeting, which finished the same day we arrived. They were all very friendly, and became exceedingly curious about us when they learned we are monks. One, named Sister Mpanga (a local sister, from Lusaka), representing all the rest, shared with us about the way they live in response to our questions. The sisters live a cloistered life ordinarily, praying and working in isolated monasteries dotted here and there across the continent. When we shared about our own training at our monastery they were obviously delighted to find so many similarities between their lives and ours. On our side, we enjoyed very much finding such kindred spirits so far from home.
Brother John will pick us up in the van in a few minutes to carry us to see the children. It should be an interesting ride. More soon.