Jesus Caritas

Brother Charles 1903

Beni Abbes is 'alive' with the life and thought of Brother Charles and it is a place where many people come to draw life from this desert well spring.

Dunes near our house

The hermitage of Br Charles

Beni Abbes is a place where God speaks to the heart through the beauty of creation and of its inhabitants. To be able to 'relish' this, it is important to have Little Sisters living here full-time to keep in touch with what our neighbours are living and build on the mutual friendship dating back for many years. Life, new life, is a priority but we are aware of our diminishing strength!

With a neighbour

We feel how important it is to live ‘presence’ at two levels.

Those who keep house try to be flexible and available to the local people, our guests and those who come for retreats.

Listening to the neighbours and their needs gave us the idea to start doing craft work together. This very simple type of work enables us to be in touch with the people in a powerful and natural way. Both the community and those who come to stay can be involved.

Brother Charles' chapel

Little Sister Noura has been working in ‘Brother Charles' garden’ for over 30 years. It has been a good way to get to know people in the village and to meet up with other gardeners. Our visitors  also enjoy working in the garden and that is a big help.

We get together every day to celebrate the Eucharist at the hermitage with the Little Brothers of the Gospel. One can feel a presence in this place. Christian and Muslim visitors sense something special or Someone special!

Little sister Noura with neighbours