For my summer assignment and apostolic experience, as an Assumptionist brother in temporary vows, I am ministering to the community of ‘boat people’ of Paris who are mostly refugees and live on the Seine River. It has been a very fruitful and enriching experience being welcomed by these folks, even though learning their language, culture and backgrounds have been my greatest challenges. Though there are other Assumptionists here in Paris, working specifically with these people and with those sleeping on the streets, has been a day by day learning experience for me. I go to the market, load and unload food trucks with them and listen to their life and faith stories. As I try to be as present to them as possible, I help them to understand that they are not alone in the world and that God is with them no matter what their circumstances are. It has been very easy for me to mingle among these good people, as they have taught me a great deal about their life and faith in God. The Lord has blessed me these past weeks by giving me the grace and opportunity to be ‘at home’ with these folks.

I have also discovered the many apostolates that the Province of Europe has here in France and this has consequently helped me to learn more about our congregation. By attending classes and speaking with my brothers in their language most of the time, my French is improving! As my stay will soon come to an end, I have been most appreciative of the many ways that God has blessed me this summer!

Bro. Sagar Gundiga, A.A.