There is something really beautiful about communicating with someone in their own language. You are forced to really connect with the person on a deeper level as you attempt to give one another the courtesy of understanding. Talking is not merely a polite pastime, but almost a game. You are forced to look deeper than their words, since you're not entirely sure what they're saying, and read their tone, their eyes, their expression. Language is not merely spoken, after all. I can't wait to be better at speaking Italian so I can converse more and more with the people here. I am in awe of the human spirit and thankful that it surpasses words -- in any language.

Monastic spirituality says that we are to honor one another. We are to listen to one another. We are to reach across boundaries and differences in this fragmented world and see in our differences distinctions of great merit that can mend a competitive, uncaring, and foolish world.

- Sr. Joan Chittiste