Arsenals

"They shall beat their swords into ploughshares...
neither shall they learn
war any more".
Providence has allowed us
to convert an Arsenal of war
into a house at the service of peace.
In all corners of the world
where the Lord wishes to send us,
our homes are similar to
the first house, the "House of Hope".
These places are renovated
thanks to the work of many,
cosy but simple,
cared for and embellished with works of art
to offer everyone, even the poorest,
the chance to come in contact
with what is beautiful.
They are open-air monasteries
in large cities,
places of brotherhood and those seeking God,
places for comfort and relief like the old monasteries.
They are the dwelling of the members of the brotherhood
who have chosen the community lifestyle,
a place where they experience
the presence of their Lord 24 hours a day,
willing to welcome anyone,
at any time of the day or night.
This is where the most urgent
and hard-felt needs are satisfied,
but above all they are open to dialogue
with anyone seeking
the meaning of their life.
They are in particular the homes for young people,
the men of tomorrow
who more than anyone else bear the wounds
of today’s poor.
There will also be retreats of silence
in separated areas,
linked with the Arsenals in the cities,
open to those who would like to
experience moments of solitude.

"I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?..." (Isaiah 43,19).

"He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks, nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah 2,4).

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful" (Col 3,15).