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“Sons of the Father, friends of Jesus, united by the Holy Spirit to live a fully evangelical life.”(Rule of Life of the Brothers of Saint John N° 1.).
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The Community of Saint John, founded by Fr. Marie Dominique Philippe, was started on December 8, 1975. We were recognized by the Bishop of Autun (Burgundy, France) as a Religious Congregation of Diocesan Right in 1986.
Priories
Today, there are over 40 priories throughout the world. There are currently four priories in the United States – the novitiate house in Princeville IL, and priories in Laredo TX, Denver CO and Orange NJ. After a time of novitiate and formation, during which they endeavor to enter fully into the spirit of the family of Saint John, the Brothers live in small communities called priories. The apostolic activity of these priories seeks to be the wellspring of the contemplative and religious life of the Brothers. Therefore, their first role is to be an “oasis” of spiritual hospitality and of search for and communication of the truth.
Fundamentals of our Spiritual Life
- Conversion of the heart: received primarily in silent prayer, under the action of the Holy Spirit.
- Conversion of the intelligence: the discovery of oneself, others, and the world through realistic philosophy as affirmed by Pope John Paul II in Fides et Ratio and following mentors such as Aristotle and Saint Thomas Aquinas who invite and help us to embark upon a personal search for the truth.
- Manual labor and various community services: through work, including that which maintains the community and that which serves the world, we live our charism of action. Discovering intimacy with Christ is the goal to be pursued throughout all these activities. This intimacy, which implies a certain solitude with God, led the community to choose a way of life that draws from the monastic spirit.
- Fraternity: Solitude does not mean isolation. Our life includes very strong ties with the other brothers. In his first letter, Saint John stressed the connection between communion with Christ and communion with our brothers.
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