PHOTO: Mary van Balen Whistle Pig Gallery on Main The weekly Convivium, or gathering for lunch and conversation, was one of my favorite events during my year at the Collegeville Institute. Sponsored by the School of Theology, the lunch was prepared by a different group each week and showcased ethnic foods of the students and residents as well as good old American standards. “Convivium” comes from the Latin meaning “feast,” or in a more broad understanding, “living together” from “con” + “vivio.”
The experience in Collegeville followed noon prayer (also led by students) and provided an opportunity to share good food, conversation, news of upcoming events, while contributing to the sense of community.
I am blessed to share a monthly meal, conversation, and prayer with a small group where I live. We have been meeting for about seven years and bring one another joy and support. In our society, taking time to sit together, savor food and enjoy others’ company is becoming less common. Many families have difficulty finding time to eat together as they juggle work, school, sports, and other activities.
In the past week I have had the chance to enjoy a few such meals: a brunch with a longtime friend who was in town for a family funeral; dinner with my sister and her husband; and a gathering at a new gallery that features a wide selection of art for sale by local artists, a few antiques, and on some evenings, a jam session.
While the evening at the gallery was not exactly a “meal,” it did include wonderful homemade soup, appetizers, wine, and hot cider. Regulars mingled with people coming for the first time. Conversation buzzed and music from guitars and a harmonica filled the space. I picked up a guitar and pulling on long memory, played and sang a couple of songs. It felt good. So did strumming along as others sang.
What all these have in common is taking the time to enjoy the company of those around us and the creativity of cooking, art, and music. Being present to one another and to simple joys nurtures our spirits and deepens our experience of life and grace.
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