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.
PlusOur 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.
Plus1814-1820
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.
Plus1820
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.
Plus1820
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.
Plus1820-1858
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.
Plus1847
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.
Plus1858
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.
Plus1858-1914
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.
Plus1914-1947
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.
Plus1948-1975
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.
Plus1975-1993
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.
Plus1960-2012
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.
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Messengers Publications have just published "Living the Camino Back Home". The authors Brendan McManus sj and Katherine O'Flynn fcJ were interviewed about their book by BBC, Radio Ulster's Sunday Sequence. ... See MoreSee Less
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End of the season of our FCJ project in Santiago de Compostela, Camino Companions. A big thank you to all our volunteers! And thanks Fr Manny for the post and photos amd for your continued support. ... See MoreSee Less
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When was the last time you gave a word of encouragement or positivity to someone close to you? I spend much of my time giving talks and workshops, and so am often publicly thanked, but I realise how different it is when someone who doesn't need to acknowledge me for something specific I have done, simply says something positive or encouraging.... ... See MoreSee Less
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A group of FCJ Sisters, Companions in Mission and friends in England will be taking part in the Silverstone Run Fest for CAFOD on November 24th at the iconing Silverstone Grand Prix circuit. Please consider supporting their fundraising efforts at www.justgiving.com/page/fcj-cafod-2024 ... See MoreSee Less
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Praying for anyone exploring the vocation to Religious Life. ... See MoreSee Less
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Camino Companions is an FCJ project in Santiago de Compostela to offer pilgrims a space to articulate and find meaning at the end of their Camino, based at Oficina de Acogida al Peregrino. One of the project volunteers, Sr Maire, a Sister of Mercy from Ireland, reflects on her experience of welcoming pilgrims in Santiago. ... See MoreSee Less
Listening to Pilgrims: Hearing Whispers From God - Faithful Companions of Jesus
Camino Companions is an FCJ project in Santiago de Compostela to offer pilgrims a space to articulate and find meaning at the end of their Camino. A reflection by one of the volunteers0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Sr MaryAnne fcJ reflects on the uses of water and on how to act to reduce her impact on Earth’s limited resources and to ‘tread the Earth lightly’ - living our Chapter Call to Care for Our Common Home. ... See MoreSee Less
Reflections on Water from Calgary - Faithful Companions of Jesus
Sr MaryAnne fcJ reflects on the uses of water and on how to act to reduce her impact on Earth’s limited resources and to ‘tread the Earth lightly.’0 CommentsComment on Facebook
September 8 marked the anniversary of the first vows Sr Imelda, a member of the FCJ community in Turin. Her first vows were taken in our former chapel in Via Lanfranchi. Some of the other members of the community were young girls or young pre-postulants at the time and they gathered again to celebrate the anniversary. ... See MoreSee Less
Celebrating Life as Faithful Companions of Jesus - Faithful Companions of Jesus
FCJ Sisters in Turin gather to celebrate a long life of faithful companionship with Jesus.5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Imelda and Bernadette, wonderful to see you both, Congratulations & blessings
How wonderful. Congratulations.
Congratulations, keep the flame of God's Spirit alive 🙏
Wonderful to see the photo and realize all those years of Faithful Companionship!
United in gratitude and prayer 🙏
Happy 50th Anniversary, Maria Fidelis Catholic School FCJ in London! ... See MoreSee Less
Maria Fidelis School Celebrates 50th Anniversary - Faithful Companions of Jesus
Maria Fidelis Catholic School FCJ has been serving the families and the Church in London for 50 years.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
FCJs and friends supporting CAFOD ... See MoreSee Less
FCJs and friends supporting CAFOD
Help MaryAnne Francalanza raise money to support The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. Read the statement from the A statement from the FCJ Retreat & Conference Centre staff and the FCJ Sisters in Calgary to mark the day. ... See MoreSee Less
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada - Faithful Companions of Jesus
A statement from the FCJ Christian Life Centre staff and the FCJ Sisters in Calgary to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
A group of FCJ Sisters, Companions in Mission and friends are training for a charity run, Silverstone Run Fest for CAFOD on November 24th. Some of them are literally training "couch to 5K" to be ready for this. Would you like to support their fundraising effort? ... See MoreSee Less
FCJs and friends supporting CAFOD
Help MaryAnne Francalanza raise money to support The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Our FCJ sisters at FCJ Spirituality Centre London offer their monthly online retreat - an evening reflection and prayer on October 17.MONTHLY EVENING RETREAT FOR OCTOBER 2024[PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BOOKING LINK HAS CHANGED]‘The Amazing Gift of Trees’ THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024. 7.30 – 8.45 pm “Every single part of Creation is full of god and is a book about God.” Meister Eckhart.During our reflection and prayer this evening, we will consider the beauty of trees and the wisdom we receive from them. Together, we will praise God as the Great Creator Spirit, present everywhere, who unceasingly gifts us and blesses us in His Creation.We use music, poetry, short talks, images, and quiet moments to support us as we reflect and pray.This retreat is online. To join the Zoom, please contact [email protected] by October 16th. The link will be sent to you during the evening of the 16th of October. ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy 50th Anniversary, Maria Fidelis Catholic School FCJ in London! ... See MoreSee Less
Maria Fidelis School celebrates 50th Anniversary
Bishop Nicholas celebrated Mass on 20 He opened the Mass by saying, ‘Heartfelt congratulations are due to Maria Fidelis on the 50 Bishop Nicholas went on, in his homily, to describe inspiring exampl...1 CommentComment on Facebook
very nice
Thanks and prayers for all our benefactors, past and present, who enable the work of FCJ Retreat & Conference Centre in Calgary, Canada.A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who joined us last Sunday for our Annual Tea Party fundraising event! We're truly grateful for the support from our dedicated volunteers, hardworking staff, silent auction bidders, 50/50 raffle participants, and those who enjoyed in our teas, and homemade treats, scones, and apple pies. Your presence and contributions made it a day to remember. Thank you to all our donors and supporters. Please note that we will be sending out a separate newsletter dedicated to the Tea Party, which will include updates and reports on how much we've raised through this event.Raffle 50/50 Live Draw:www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gxr9vyHBD5w#FCJCentre #YYC #RetreatandConference ... See MoreSee Less
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