As the Church continues to inspire society to embrace a synodal way of being and living, grounded in listening, collaboration, and shared responsibility, religious communities have, for generations, offered a living witness of this path. Shaped by diverse cultures, charisms, and missions, they have learned to live and serve beyond familiar boundaries, nurturing a shared mission rooted in faith. As life unfolds and circumstances change, there come moments when new realities invite a reconfiguration of how life and mission are lived. This reality led us into discernment on how we could offer the best care to our most fragile and elderly sisters in Belgium, as we do not have a convent adapted for their needs. This might appear as a limitation, but it was received as an invitation to creativity and openness, recognizing that such poverty can also enrich and deepen communion. This path naturally led us to La Colombière in Brussels, a Jesuit centre where priests, members of other congregations, and lay collaborators share one home, one rhythm of life, and a spirit of mutual care.
As Sisters of the Assumption, our religious life has been shaped over many years by diversity and mission.
Our sisters Marcienne Emmanuel and Chantal Emmanuel share their experience of a common life that has become a living sign of communion, synodality, and hope: “Life at La Colombière is a quiet yet eloquent testimony of faith, communion, and hope. “There is no greater missionary service than a life of sacrifice and adoration which, more than any outward activity, proclaims the absolute primacy of God” (R.L 126). These words from our Rule of Life have deeply marked the first weeks of our journey here and continue to give meaning to what we are living day by day. Arriving at the end of October 2025, we were welcomed into a large and vibrant family: around thirty Jesuits, six Sisters of Saint André, and a devoted lay team (consisting of the director, the caregivers, the nurses, the maintenance staff, and the kitchen personnel) who ensure care, dignity, and attention to each person are maintained in daily life. Very quickly, La Colombière turned out to be not just a residence, but a true home, where everyone belongs.”
They further explain: “As Sisters of the Assumption, our religious life has been shaped over many years by diversity and mission. We have lived community life across different cultures, countries and contexts, discovering again and again how sweet life together can be when it is rooted in prayer, nourished by shared faith, and sustained by fraternity. What we experience today at La Colombière is a beautiful continuity of that same grace. In this larger intercongregational community, enriched by even greater diversity, we continue to treasure the gifts of our vocation. Far from feeling that anything is lacking, we feel fully ourselves — at home, united and deeply connected, as if living in one family, under one roof.”
“The Eucharist is the cornerstone of our daily lives. Other shared moments of prayer strengthen our common life: community adoration on Tuesday afternoons, the Vespers sung every Friday by the Sisters of the Assumption from the Etterbeek community, and the faithful presence of Sr Cécile, our guardian angel and the main contact between us and the Congregation. Her gentle attentiveness and warm companionship bring joy and kindness to our daily rhythm.”
The Eucharist is the cornerstone of our daily lives. Other shared moments of prayer strengthen our common life
“The simple tasks of everyday life foster genuine relationships and mutual care, echoing the Gospel call: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Activities such as gentle exercise, relaxation, music listening, shared storytelling and access to a rich library nourish both body and spirit.We feel called to live fully in the present moment, with gratitude for the past and trust in the future. The words spoken by the Jesuit Provincial during his January visit still resonate within us: “What I ask of you is to show that you are happy.” Indeed, the witness of a life journeying toward God in joy, serenity, and kindness remains one of the most convincing signs of hope for our world today.”
