A Way of Love with the Lay Fraternity of Charles de Foucauld

"Fixing his gaze on the family of Nazareth, Brother Charles became aware of the sterility of the desire for riches and power; he became all things to all peoples through the apostolate of kindness "

Pope Francis, Prayer Vigil 3rd October 2015

In the spirit of Charles de Foucauld

Faithful to the inspiration of Brother Charles, members are called to live the hidden life of Nazareth which for them is:

-The constant search and welcome of the Incarnate Son of God who became the "carpenters son" (Matt. 13:55);
-"To cry the gospel with their life";
-Solidarity with the poor, the living presence of Christ in the midst of the world;
-The search for communion and universal friendship with all the churches, religi ons and people of the world.

Members wish to model their lives on the example of Jesus Christ:

-In adoring him and receiving him in the Eucharist, the real presence of God amongst us;
-In welcoming him in his Word, especially in the Gospel;
-In searching for him in personal prayer, in retreat, in desert days and in self-abandonment;
-In meeting him, in loving him and serving him in all people.

In solidarity with the poor, community members try to:

-Live a simple life, which is an alternative to the consumer society;
-Share their sorrows, their hopes and their conflicts in the search for true freedom;
-Recognise in all people, particularly our neighbours, a brother and a sister to love, and especially the most abandoned who are in need of material, spiritual or moral support.
"I think that there is no passage of the Gospel that has made a deeper impression on me or changed my life more than this one: 'Whateveryou do to one of these little ones, you do it to me.' If we think of it, that these are the words of Uncreated Truth, words from the mouth that said, 'This is my body... this is my blood...' then how forcefully we are impelled to seek Jesus and love him in the 'little ones'. Charles de Foucauld

By their life together members are called to:

-Have mutual understanding and affection for each other and to be aware of the others' need whatever it may be;
-A true conversion of heart, particularly through the review of life where they are called to scrutinise their personal and public lives in accordance with the demands of the Gospel;
-A true sharing pre-supposing renunciation of privileges in order to seek a more communal management of material goods.

We try not to be "dumb dogs nor sleeping sentinels"

(quote from Brother Charles)

when human rights are threatened by any form of oppression.

-responding to Brother Charles’ insight:"It is Jesus in this situation."
-We hope to respect the freedom of others and not try to impose on them an obligation to concur with or act on our position.

Brother Charles must always be a source of renewal for us.

Knowledge of his life, his writings, his spirituality are means through which mem¬bers can remain faithful to their vocation and today's demands of the Gospel in their lives.

Membership

The Charles de Foucauld Lay Community brings together women and men of all ethnic origins, of all social classes and from different states of life who, following the example of Charles dc Foucauld, wish to help each other to follow Jesus and lo live the Gospcl. Some members participate in small local groups, called fraternities. Others are 'lone' members. The community is aware of and feels a duty to those who, because of their particular circumstances, are unable to attend regular meetings. We all wish to follow the way of life and spirituality of Brother Charles' family.

Hospitality is an important part of our life. When we gather as a group we often meet one another through sharing food. We pray silently together and reflect upon Gospel passages or other themes, seeking the help of the Holy Spirit to enable Jesus' Gospel to enlighten our everyday lives.

Membership is open to all who are drawn by the message of Brother Charles,

Prayer of Abandon

Father,
I abandon myself into Your hands.
Do with me what You will.
Whatever You may do,
I thank You.
I am ready for all,
I accept all.
Let only Your will be done in me
and in all Your creatures.
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into Your hands I commend my soul.
I offer it to You
with all the love of my heart.
For I love you, Lord,

and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into Your hands
without reserve
and with boundless confidence.
For You are my Father.

For further information

about the Community of Charles de Foucauld in Britain, please contact:

Moira Potier
6 De Villiers Avenue
Liverpool L23 2TJ
Tel: 0151 924 8420
Email: mpotier423657@aol.com
See also the websites:
www.jesuscaritas.info www.charlesdefoucauld.org