“The Teresian charism consists essentially of a profound experience of relationship, which has the characteristics of both love and friendship” (OCD Charismatic Declaration 2021). Relationship with God in prayer, relationship with sisters in the community: friendship unifies us in depth: relational life springs from union with Christ and leads back to it.

Saint Thérèse desired small communities (around 13 sisters, 21 maximum) like the apostles around the Lord Jesus, characterized by a sense of evangelical equality, frank sincerity in relationships, mutual sharing of joys and suffering within a joyful family “where all must be friends, all must love each other, all must wish each other well, all must help each other…” (Way of perfection 4:7).

In our Middle East and North Africa Federation, our communities are all international, bringing together sisters from five continents in the same search for the Face of God. As prayer brings us together twice a day, recreation (or community time) brings us together in a spontaneous dialogue, made of simplicity and joy. Then throughout the day, in shared prayer, work, services, we seek to love one another concretely… so that all men love!

More specific times of dialogue (chapter) are planned every week and we also meet between communities during sessions,