Annual gathering

Published October 17, 2013

Nearly 200 people from across the country attended the General Gathering of members from the monastic and domestic expressions of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity Oct. 2-5. The event, themed “Unity Builds Community,” was held at Little Portion Hermitage in Berryville.

A highlight of the gathering was observing the 30th anniversary of the opening of the hermitage, which was blessed by Bishop Emeritus Andrew J. McDonald and then-Bishop Bernard Law in 1983. After a fire destroyed the main chapel, refectory and common center in 2008, the community rebuilt and the new buildings were dedicated by Bishop Anthony B. Taylor in 2010.

Bishop Taylor was again on hand Oct. 5 and celebrated Mass honoring the community’s monastic and domestic jubilarians for 10, 15 and 20 years of profession.  A special dinner in recognition of the jubilarians was held following Mass.

Monastic member Claude Pelican, who lives at Little Portion, made his three-year temporary profession. Other activities included fellowship and a youth ministry program for 50 children. John Michael Talbot, who founded the community, convened several of the assembly’s sessions, and workshops were led by members of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity.