Little Brothers of Jesus
Latin: Institutum Parvolorum Fratrum Iesu French: Petits Frères de Jésus | |
Abbreviation | PFJ |
---|---|
Formation | 1933 |
Founded at | Paris, France |
Type | Religious congregation of pontifical right for men |
Headquarters | Brussels, Belgium |
Membership (2020) | 155 (38 priests) |
Superior General | Rodrigo González, PFJ |
Parent organization | Catholic Church |
Website | jesuscaritas |
Formerly called | Little Brothers of Solitude |
[1] |
The Little Brothers of Jesus (
As of 2020, the congregation had 155 members, of whom 38 were priests.[2]
History
This section needs additional citations for verification. (November 2021) |
Foundation
The congregation was founded at the
Post World War II
After World War II, the members decided to move toward a greater witness outside of Algeria into the post-war world. By modifying their original monastic idea to fit new circumstances while retaining a contemplative approach to life and prayer they split into small fraternities based on the simple rule of adoration of the Eucharist and prayer in their dwellings; this was to be coupled with a life of ordinary manual labour, friendship, and solidarity with those amongst whom they lived and worked.[5] Their traditional habit was replaced with the appropriate plain clothes to help assimilate into their work and neighborhood roles.
This revised congregation became somewhat linked to the
In 1952, Brother Roger travelled to Leeds and became the first Little Brother in Britain;[7] several brothers joined him, but in 2023, there are none in the UK.
Approbation
On 13 June 1968,[8] the Little Brothers of Jesus were recognised by Pope Paul VI as a congregation of pontifical right. This was confirmed again in 1987 by Pope John Paul II after a revision of the community's constitutions.[9]
Spirituality
Each member of the congregation professes the vows of
The Little Brothers of Jesus live in small communities in similar size to families known as 'fraternities'. Some members are ordained as priests to celebrate Mass for their fraternity.[10]
Notable members
- Philippe Nguyễn Kim Điền, Archbishop of Hué (Vietnam) from 1968 to 1988[8]
- René Voillaume, the first superior general of the congregation
In popular culture
The Little Brothers of Jesus were featured in the fourth episode of the BBC's documentary series The Long Search titled 'Rome, Leeds and the Desert'.[11]
See also
Bibliography
- Charles de Foucauld, Jean-Jacques Antier, Ignatius Press, San Francisco 1999.
- Seeds of the Desert, René Voillaume, Anthony Clarke Books, 1972
- Cry the Gospel with Your Life (Dieu est Amour), Edition Le Livre Ouvert, 1994
References
- ^ a b "Little Brothers of Jesus (P.F.J.)". GCatholic. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
- ^ "Little Brothers of Jesus (Institute of Consecrated Life – Men) [Catholic-Hierarchy]". catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
- ^ Charles de Foucauld website, The Pathway of Prayer, by Jose Maria, page 11
- ^ Encyclopedia.com website, Little Brothers Of Jesus
- ^ Britannica website, Little Brothers of Jesus and Little Sisters of Jesus
- ^ Catholic Worker website, French Worker Priests and the Little Brothers of de Foucauld, article by Dorothy Day dated March 1, 1954
- ^ Scottish Catholic website, Remembering the Little Brothers of Jesus, article by Ian Dunn dated August 13, 2023
- ^ a b "Little Brothers of Jesus (Institute of Consecrated Life – Men) [Catholic-Hierarchy]". catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
- ^ "Recognized by the Catholic Church | Jesus Caritas". jesuscaritas.info. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
- ^ "Small communities | Jesus Caritas". jesuscaritas.info. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
- ^ British Universities Film and Video Council, The Long Search