Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the Church

Vatican, October 4th, 2015 Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

"And you are all brothers" (Matt. 23:8)

Written as a reflection, this document contributes to the appreciation of the richness of the different vocations, especially within male consecrated life, and seeks to shed light on the identity of the Religious Brother and the value and necessity of this vocation.

The document eloquently states: "The life of the Brothers is a story, a story of salvation for their contemporaries, and among them, especially for the poorest. We may not always be able to reflect adequately the beauty of the Gospel, but there is one sign which we should never lack: the option for those who are least, those whom society discards." (#32)

This 27 page document begins with an introduction of the Religious Brother within the Church-Communion, as part of the one Chosen People, in which each one is called to radiate the richness of his particular vocation. Then, following the three dimensions within which the Church-Communion presents itself, it develops the identity of the Brother as a mystery of communion for mission. At the centre of this triple perspective lies the heart of the identity of the Religious Brother, namely fraternity, which is a gift that is received (mystery), a gift that is shared (communion) and a gift that is given away (mission). Finally, this document proposes some guidelines so that in every part of our world, in every community, each Religious Brother may respond to this question: How can we be Brothers today? 

To download this document, click here.