Coming back from Brick Lane and some really good paneer tikka, I came across some Sisters of Charity and other people gathered on the sidewalk of Fournier Street and I had a hard time figuring out what was going on. Then nuns started praying and asking everyone else to join in if they wanted to. We prayed for awhile and then they prayed the grace before meals, which really confused me. Then they opened up the doors of the van and started distributing food to what I realized where the hungry homeless men I was standing among. It was all done so graciously, with simple kindness. It never felt like, we are now doing charity! At one point, the obvious leader nun said jokingly you know what I want to one of the men. I dont think it was meant to be suggestive, but it was obviously relaxed and friendly. I found out later that some of the helpers were Communion and Liberation people. When the leader asked me if I wanted a chocolate, I said, Im not here because Im hungry. But she said, yes, but its chocolate. So I took it. Emptied my pockets and asked about how one volunteers to help (they also have a full mens dorm and a womens dorm). Felt like I walked through a holy place. Maybe I did. At least I know it was a happy place for some people who could use some happiness.
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 23:25:05 +0000
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