1781-1814
The Inspiration
The calling of our Foundress, Marie Madeleine d’Houët, is captured in the beautiful name she chose for her congregation: Faithful Companions of Jesus.
MoreOur Society, Faithful Companions of Jesus, was founded in Amiens in France in 1820 by Marie Madeleine de Bonnault d’Hoüet. As a young widow with a son, Marie Madeleine felt called by God to form a Society of apostolic women who would take their inspiration from Mary and the Holy Women of the Gospel. Below is an overview of the history then begun.
1781-1814
The calling of our Foundress, Marie Madeleine d’Houët, is captured in the beautiful name she chose for her congregation: Faithful Companions of Jesus.
More1814-1820
Marie Madeleine, a young, grieving widow with a small son, born after his father’s death, was living through dark times. Certain Jesuits, by their spiritual guidance, were instrumental in enabling her to discern her vocation to the religious life. The apostolic congregation she founded was explicitly inspired by Ignatian spirituality, and the FCJ Constitutions have their origin in those of the Society of Jesus.
More1820
It was in Amiens, then one of the principal centres of the cloth trade in France, that Marie Madeleine became acutely aware of the social problems that had surfaced in the wake of the Industrial Revolution, as large numbers of people, seeking employment in the local textile factories, moved from rural settings to the city.
More1820
It is thought that the first members of the Society of the Faithful Companions of Jesus were fourteen in number, but we know the names of only seven of them: Louise Legrand, Louise Melaut, Honorine Moreau, Louise Delaruelle, Marie Lenssens, Anna Ravon and Julie Guillemet.
More1820-1858
Because of the growing reputation of the new congregation, a number of bishops invited the FCJs into their dioceses, to provide schools and instruction in the faith for their people. Because of strong opposition from certain Gallican bishops, expansion in France was beset with difficulties. In spite of this, before her death in 1858, Marie Madeleine had succeeded in setting up a number of flourishing schools in different parts of that country, and also in England, Switzerland, Italy and Ireland.
More1847
The political and social climate in France in 1847 was anything but favourable to religious congregations. Despite a decree prohibiting the establishment of further religious communities, the Archbishop of Paris, Monseigneur Affre, who had known Marie Madeleine when he was a priest in Amiens and was her friend and a supporter of the Faithful Companions of Jesus, warmly welcomed the Sisters to his Archdiocese.
More1858
On 5 April 1858, Marie Madeleine died in Paris at the age of 76. She had guided the fledgling Society through its early years, and had governed it for 32 years as its elected Superior General.
More1858-1914
After Marie Madeleine’s death in 1858, Josephine Petit was elected Superior General. She died 30 years later leaving a rich legacy to the Society. In the last decade of her life, she seemed to discover within herself a true missionary spirit, and had established a number of houses in Australia and Canada.
More1914-1947
Philomena Higgins, an Irishwoman, the first non-French Superior General, was elected in Brussels on 2 August 1914, the day of the invasion of France by Germany – the invasion of Belgium took place on the following day. Consequently her early years as Superior General were deeply shadowed by the Great War.
More1948-1975
The Second Vatican Council, which opened in 1962 during the pontificate of John XXIII and ended in 1965 during that of Paul VI, was arguably the most important event of the twentieth century for the Catholic Church. The Council proposed a radical change of spiritual and theological perspective, moving from world-estrangement to world-engagement, and giving close consideration to various aspects of modern life in a spirit of openness rather than condemnation.
More1975-1993
Sr Breda O’Farrell is widely recognised as having injected the charism of the Faithful Companions of Jesus with new life and meaning. She requested, and eventually received, permission for the FCJs to use the Jesuit Constitutions. A new text was established, and the longed-for, long-awaited approval was finally given in 1985. Breda foresaw that future changes to these Constitutions would be rare, but that interpretation through General Chapters would ensure their continuing relevance for the corporate life of the Society.
More1960-2012
Stella Maris in Broadstairs Kent, England was for many years the home and place of work of the central administration of the Faithful Companions of Jesus, meaning it was the Generalate.
MoreSend your e-mail address and an FCJ sister will get in touch with you.
fcjsisters.wordpress.com/2024/03/23/listening-to-the-cry-of-the-poor/ ... See MoreSee Less
Listening to the cry of the poor
This year FCJs around the world are taking action in response to the second goal of the Laudato Si Platform: “Responding to The Cry of the Poor.” Here in Yogyakarta, amongst various res…0 CommentsComment on Facebook
In preparation for Laudato Si Week 19th – 26th May 2024 we aim to gather 1000+ pledges of actions (small or large) that people will take in caring for our common home. Each person will be able to make their pledge online or via a small card which we have produced for our parishes and schools. The initiative is designed around Laudate Deum paragraphs #70 and #71 which assure us of the…... ... See MoreSee Less
FCJ 1000 Pledges for the Earth
In preparation for Laudato Si Week 19th – 26th May 2024 we aim to gather 1000+ pledges of actions (small or large) that people will take in caring for our common home. Each person will be able to m�...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Looking forward to the new album of the Poor Clares, Arundel coming out on 24th May! Watch this great video preview: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBWjI2PmTfc ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available at the moment
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
There are moments in our lives when we are faced with a choice and we simply KNOW what we must do. There is a great clarity about what God is asking and we are freely able to respond because regardless of the consequences our path is clear. St Paul's conversion is a good biblical example - in a moment of clarity he was able to understand completely that God was calling him to change direction, and he responded.... ... See MoreSee Less
Times of Discernment – Clarity
There are moments in our lives when we are faced with a choice and we simply KNOW what we must do. There is a great clarity about what God is asking and we are freely able to respond because regard…0 CommentsComment on Facebook
This Saturday is Earth Hour!Join FCJ Sisters, Companions in Mission, and friends participating in Earth Hour. Switch off your lights and devices and join this huge grassroots movement in giving something back to the earth. ... See MoreSee Less
Earth Hour - Faithful Companions of Jesus
Join FCJ Sisters, Companions in Mission, and friends participating in Earth Hour!0 CommentsComment on Facebook
An online evening retreat this Friday 22 March, organized by our FCJ sisters in London FCJ Spirituality Centre London: "Abiding Joy"MONTHLY EVENING RETREAT FOR MARCH 2024“ABIDING JOY” FRIDAY 22nd MARCH 7.30 – 9.00 pmPope Francis described joy by calling it ‘the air Christians breathe’, a fruit of the Holy Spirit. During the evening, we will gently consider this joy and pray that it will not only be a deep consolation in our own lives but will send us out to our world, to our brothers and sisters in need, wherever that may be.We continue to use music, poetry, short talks, images, and quiet moments to support us as we reflect and pray.This retreat is online. To apply to join the Zoom, please contact [email protected] by the afternoon of March 21st. The link will be sent to you on the evening of March 21st.The image we are grateful to have used is by Madalin Calita from Pixabay. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Well done!TYs on Hope Foundation TripCongratulations to our 7 TY’s on all their hard work fundraising for The Hope Foundation, and best of luck with their trip next Thursday. TY students travelling are Ellie McCaffrey, Claudia Ryan, Ella Condron, Amy Crowe, Isabelle Daly, and Síona Cunningham from 21st to 27th March.The girls have been busy fundraising all year, hosting events such as bake sales, hot chocolate days and table quizzes as well as selling the Hope Foundation chocolate bars in school.The Hope Foundation is a charity dedicated to promoting the protection of street-dwelling and slum-connected children in Kolkata, some of the most underprivileged in India, as well as their families and communities. The girls will be travelling to Kolkata for one week to visit the projects and experience the valuable work which The Hope Foundation carries out. Safe travels and the school are very proud of your endeavour, charity and work. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Come and Meet Jesus anew this Easter season: an online Easter Ignatian retreat in daily life organized by our FCJ Retreat & Conference Centre.A Zoom 4 Week Group Retreat meeting Monday evenings from 7 to 8:30pm. highlighting Jesus’ Post-Resurrection appearances. This retreat will provide opportunity to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus. Participants will attend all of the sessions and be able to share the highlights of their prayer time.Zoom meetings on Monday evenings 7-8:30pm April 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, 2024.Register here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/come-and-meet-jesus-anew-tickets-866691015157?aff=oddtdtcreatorFor more information, kindly contact us at: 403.228.4215 or email us at [email protected] ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations Sr Christine fcJ (top right photo) and Neighbours In Poplar for this amazing project which has led to 45,000 meals being delivered to people in need in East London. ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Wonderful! Congratulations and Gratitude to Sr. Christine and all those involved in this great project! 🙏
Sr. Christine is an example of how we all should live by caring for others.
A great photo of some of our Sisters in Indonesia Suster FCJ Indonesia "faithfully and Joyfully presenting Jesus to the world".Dengan Setia dan Gembira Menghadirkan Yesus bagi dunia...Mari menjadi Suster FCJ - Sahabat Setia YesusInformasi Kerasulan Panggilan:Suster Tyas, FCJwa.me/6282144136583#vocation #omk #sahabatkatolik #gerejakatolik #panggilan #hidupmembiara #fcjsisters #fcjindonesia ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
A recent Caritas Australia Mission in Action Seminar featured the work of FCJ Sisters and colleagues at the FCJ Learning and Development Center Inc. in the Philippines. A recording of this webinar is now available.Hear the stories about the challenges communities in the Philippines have overcome with the support from Caritas Australia and its partners. FCJ Center staff Rossele and Nina and Sr. Vanessa fcJ shared their programs and how they support neighbours in the urban slums of the Philippines. ... See MoreSee Less
Mission in Action at the FCJ Learning and Development Center - Faithful Companions of Jesus
A recent Mission in Action webinar by Caritas Australia featured the work of FCJ Sisters and colleagues at the FCJ Learning and Development Center in the Philippines.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
I have spent much of this year so far working with young adults as they make a retreat in daily life. It is so wonderful to see how God works so differently with each person, guiding, loving and challenging them. Introducing the young people to different ways of prayer, and helping them to discern as they open themselves to trust a deeper relationship with God, is such a life-giving ministry.... ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Meita FCJ, gentle apostle to the differently-abled. ... See MoreSee Less
Meita FCJ, gentle apostle to the differently-abled.
The day was bright on Saturday March 2nd and in Sarasvita FCJ Centre the atmosphere was even brighter. Meita FCJ and a large group of volunteers welcomed a group of children and young people with c…0 CommentsComment on Facebook
FCJ Sisters were featured in London newspapers The Guardian and London Evening Standard a few weeks ago as they opened their home to refugees and asylum seekers in need in collaboration with charity Refugees at Home. The pieces included short interviews with some of the FCJ sisters and some great photos. ... See MoreSee Less
Refugees at Home: Offering Compassionate Action - Faithful Companions of Jesus
FCJ Sisters were featured in London newspapers as they opened their home to refugees and asylum seekers in need together with charity Refugees at Home.1 CommentComment on Facebook
So grateful to you for offering a safe, dry and welcoming home to our guests who need just that.