By Nicolas Melas Febres
Harrisonburg, VA
The Community of the Ark of Lanza del Vasto is a Catholic, Gandhian community in France that has inspired thousands of people with their agrarian, non-violent, communal, and spiritual way of life. The Community of the Ark was founded in 1948 by Lanza del Vasto, a student of Gandhi. Lanza is sometimes called the Dorothy Day of Europe because he inspired many faithful youths and led a community movement that sought peace in a war-torn world.
Robert and Christianne Raymond, co-founders of the Community of Ark in Brittany, France, came to Harrisonburg for a weekend in January and stayed with our family. Robert is a master of artisan bread making; he was my bakery apprentice-master when our family lived in the Ark Community in Brittany for a year, 2017-18.
On Saturday January 27th, we invited lots of people from Harrisonburg and beyond to a dinner, discussion, and dance evening. It was a hoot! Robert and Christianne spoke about their community history and philosophy. About 60 people from our area came, including friends from Front Royal and one family from New Meadow Run Bruderhof in Pennsylvania.
We had a question and answer time after the discussion. We ended up discussing the challenges and dynamics of living in a "monastic" type of community as a family. The tension between doing what your family needs and doing what your community needs is always present, and several husbands/fathers spoke vulnerably and honestly. We ended on the note that love will always find a way!
Then we danced and embodied the balance and unity we hope for in Christian community.
On Sunday, Robert and Christianne led an evening of discussion for a smaller group. We read a translation of the seven vows of the Community of the Ark of Lanza del Vasto, and a new translation of their community Rule of Life. This discussion was in depth and very enlightening. We recorded the audio and would be happy to share it with anyone who is interested.
Nico Melas and his family live in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Reach him at millsongbakery@gmail.com
For the story of Nico’s journey to learn the craft of artisan bread making, visit Mill Song Bakery’s website. Also, feel free to peruse Rachel Sarah’s blog, The Companion Communique from when we first visited The Community of The Ark in Brittany, France.
More information on the Community of the Ark in Brittany, France:
http://www.markshep.com/peace/Ark.html
The Ark welcomes visitors, but you must first call or write and wait for a reply. Voicemail messages and letters can be in English.
Phone from US: 011 33 2 98 26 51 06
Mailing Address:
La Communauté de l’Arche de Guenvez
Lieu-dit Guenvez
29720 Plonéour-Lanvern
FRANCE
Mowing with horses at Community of the Ark in France.
A common meal at the Ark in France.