Jesus Caritas

In last week’s Shalom article I made mention of Blessed Charles de Foucauld whom Pope Francis considers his model of a Universal Brother (Fratulli Tutti, n. 287). I then added an info on Jesus Caritas International, an association of priests who follow the spirituality of Blessed Charles, but not mentioned by the Holy Father. What is this spirituality, and how is it lived?

Once a month priests from the Prelature of St. Mary’s In Marawi (this is the official name of the Church jurisdiction), and priests from Iligan Diocese used to meet in a quiet place, chapel, prayer room, sala where we spent one hour in silent adoration of the Blessed Sacranent. Then another hour of sharing on last month’s respective work, then discussion on mission issues, lessons from Brother Charles, plans for next meeting, prayer of abandonment, then a simple dinner, finally night rest.

This has been a huge help for us living in Marawi and Iligan in those days of constant tensions between the MNLF, the Military, the CPP-NPA, the Abu Sayap, the local governors. mayors, and the Ulama League preachers, etc.