MaryWe want to give devotion to Mary a special place in our life, because we are members of a congregation that is dedicated to her. As our Lady of Lourdes, she called us specifically to a life of prayer, reconciliation and repentance.
We celebrate her feast day as our patron saint on the eleventh of February. Mary has a unique role in the plan of salvation. This servant of the Lord, who was chosen to become the Mother of Jesus, is, as the first among the faithful, the prime example of that faith. She is called "Mother of the Faithful" and "Mother of the Church". She is for us the example of faith, love and complete unity with Christ. Furthermore, she is the example of Christian perfection. She lived a quiet and simple life open to God's Spirit and loyal to her task among people. |
Spirituality and MissionA spirituality based on faith and charity characterized our founder; therefore, faith and charity must be the characteristics of the Congregation. They will help us to acquire Jesus' attitude: to be close to all people, but especially to the "least in the Kingdom", as simple brothers. We want to follow Christ in a most radical way as Glorieux did.
We do this as members of an active congregation. Therefore, we want to live our religious life according to the three evangelical counsels, and hold community life, prayer and contemplation in high regard. This will enable us to give ourselves totally to whom we are sent. Like Glorieux we want to work for the needy people and in doing so, make our contribution to justice in this world. The Congregation is involved mainly in the areas of nursing, education and childcare, but it is open to activities which will alleviate other needs of our time. |
Profile of a brother of Glorieux
Spirituality
A brother of Glorieux wants to live and act out of a spiritual base.
This base is grounded in Christ’s and in gospel values.
These values promoted by Glorieux and adopted by the congregation in the past and present, show a concrete direction.
As required by the gospel and the Way of Life, we want to be yeast, salt and light, without forgetting our human limitations.
Vows
Living the vows faithfully and creatively is the manner in which we express our dedication to God and neighbor.
Prayer and reflection
Prayer and reflection are necessary for being spiritual persons.
Glorieux’s profound need for prayer and the example of many brothers who went before us, inspire us to be people of prayer.
Brothers who are no longer able to be directly involved in the apostolate, are able to support the good works of the congregation by prayer and reflection.
Community
We, as brothers of Glorieux, want to live out of a personal spirituality.
We live this spirituality in a community.
In the community we give shape to our spiritual values and we find there a sounding board which helps us as a community to be followers of Christ and Glorieux. The community is also the first place where we prove that the love for one’s neighbor is not an empty phrase.
Service is the motto.
All brothers belong at least to a congregational, provincial, pro-provincial, regional or district community; most of the brothers belong to a local community.
We will honestly try to make every brother feel at home in each of these communities.
We want to live and work as brothers. Congregational projects and projects in which several brothers work, are, among others, proof of this.
Option for the poor
Living the gospel, following Christ, standing in the tradition of Glorieux and his followers is impossible without an option for the poor, the outcast, the weak nearby and far away.
We keep them always in mind in our way of thinking, living arrangement and work. That is why we aim for a simple life style and why we are satisfied with little. We like to share with others who are in need.
Critical attitude
We have a critical attitude towards our own ways of doing things and towards those of the community. We always say “no” to the desire for more possessions.
We are members of church and society. There, too, the evangelical values must be the touch stone. That is why a low-key but courageous and critical attitude is necessary. Connecting with nature and God’s creation won’t fail to touch us.
Flexibility
Christ and Glorieux make us unshakable when it has to do with standing up for the weak, but flexible in the way we express this and in dealing with others.
We want to be people on the move, able to detach ourselves from things when required in considering new tasks.
To change and to let go is asked of every brother. The older brothers are confronted with this in a special way. Experiencing the spirituality and the support of the community will help them to find new and fitting ways to give meaning to life. The form changes, not the basic values.
Happiness and optimism
People who live the gospel and whose work is rooted in the gospel, and who feel at home in their community, radiate happiness and optimism.
People from outside feel at home with warm people and open and hospitable communities.
Simplicity and sincerity
A brother of Glorieux is not so much a man of words, but a man of action. This is also a consequence of the choice of being a brother. He gives shape to evangelical values in real deeds rather than fancy words
A brother of Glorieux wants to live and act out of a spiritual base.
This base is grounded in Christ’s and in gospel values.
These values promoted by Glorieux and adopted by the congregation in the past and present, show a concrete direction.
As required by the gospel and the Way of Life, we want to be yeast, salt and light, without forgetting our human limitations.
Vows
Living the vows faithfully and creatively is the manner in which we express our dedication to God and neighbor.
Prayer and reflection
Prayer and reflection are necessary for being spiritual persons.
Glorieux’s profound need for prayer and the example of many brothers who went before us, inspire us to be people of prayer.
Brothers who are no longer able to be directly involved in the apostolate, are able to support the good works of the congregation by prayer and reflection.
Community
We, as brothers of Glorieux, want to live out of a personal spirituality.
We live this spirituality in a community.
In the community we give shape to our spiritual values and we find there a sounding board which helps us as a community to be followers of Christ and Glorieux. The community is also the first place where we prove that the love for one’s neighbor is not an empty phrase.
Service is the motto.
All brothers belong at least to a congregational, provincial, pro-provincial, regional or district community; most of the brothers belong to a local community.
We will honestly try to make every brother feel at home in each of these communities.
We want to live and work as brothers. Congregational projects and projects in which several brothers work, are, among others, proof of this.
Option for the poor
Living the gospel, following Christ, standing in the tradition of Glorieux and his followers is impossible without an option for the poor, the outcast, the weak nearby and far away.
We keep them always in mind in our way of thinking, living arrangement and work. That is why we aim for a simple life style and why we are satisfied with little. We like to share with others who are in need.
Critical attitude
We have a critical attitude towards our own ways of doing things and towards those of the community. We always say “no” to the desire for more possessions.
We are members of church and society. There, too, the evangelical values must be the touch stone. That is why a low-key but courageous and critical attitude is necessary. Connecting with nature and God’s creation won’t fail to touch us.
Flexibility
Christ and Glorieux make us unshakable when it has to do with standing up for the weak, but flexible in the way we express this and in dealing with others.
We want to be people on the move, able to detach ourselves from things when required in considering new tasks.
To change and to let go is asked of every brother. The older brothers are confronted with this in a special way. Experiencing the spirituality and the support of the community will help them to find new and fitting ways to give meaning to life. The form changes, not the basic values.
Happiness and optimism
People who live the gospel and whose work is rooted in the gospel, and who feel at home in their community, radiate happiness and optimism.
People from outside feel at home with warm people and open and hospitable communities.
Simplicity and sincerity
A brother of Glorieux is not so much a man of words, but a man of action. This is also a consequence of the choice of being a brother. He gives shape to evangelical values in real deeds rather than fancy words