Restoring relationships

Within the context of my involvement in « le Secours Catholique », I reach out to people living under canvas of tent in the Vincennes Woods, the most green area around Paris with leisure amenities, sporting facilities, hiking trails, adventure playground… but also camping ground for homeless people. Their number -at present around 80-120- varies according to the seasons. For all those who are engaged in associations such as le Secours Catholique, to reach out to these people is above all to try and restore trusting relationships with them, and in so doing to empower them to opt for another way of life. I usually go and meet them once a week with Liliane and Philippe, two other volunteers.

I had for some time established relationships with Philippe and Béatrice, one of the couples who live in the wood today. Having been informed of their respective birthday (49 and 59 years old), I thought it would be great to mark the event on the occasion of the end of the year celebrations. A happy and blessed surprise for them: after years and years of estrangement, it was the first time they were invited into a house.

In our community room, a cup of tea of coffee with cakes, champagne and… gifts offered by the Secours Catholique. We drank to each other’s health and spent a warm friendly afternoon which “family photos” will remind us of, for a long time yet. With Liliane and Philippe, I accompanied to their tents our two guests delighted of such a meeting, somewhat unique in their chaotic life itinerary.

Later on, while recalling this coming together, I was particularly happy to come across the passage of our Rule of Life that states: “We work with all those who seek to restore in the world relationships characterized by justice and fraternal love” RL:3.

Maryvonne DHS and the community of Charonne, Paris

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