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.
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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
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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.
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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
Have a wonderful celebration!Dear Genazzano FCJ College Alumnae,I warmly invite you to our 2024 Fidelis Lunch. This event invites all Genazzano Alumnae who graduated at the College 50+ years ago (peer year 1974 and before). Please join me as we reflect on traditions, share memories and celebrate the future.If you wish to attend, please RSVP via trybooking - www.trybooking.com/CPVMQ or call 03 8862 1119.I look forward to cherishing this special day together.Kind Regards,Loretta Wholley | Principal ... See MoreSee Less
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Blessed "International Women's Day"Isang pagpupugay sa lahat ng kababaihan.Saludo kami sa inyo! #InternationalWomensDayCelebration #InternationalWomensMonthCelebration ... See MoreSee Less
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In celebration of International Women's Day, every woman received love heart sweets. Let's spread love and appreciation for the wonderful women in our school community. ... See MoreSee Less
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Lately I have paused from listening to the news. I have instead just read a short summary of the main stories, in order to keep in touch with what is happening around me and in the world. I decided to do this because I felt de-sensitised to suffering by too much information, too much detail and too much horror. It was beginning to wash over me as though it wasn't personalised, as though the suffering wasn't happening to a person just like me, with hopes and dreams, with a family and a home.... ... See MoreSee Less
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What a lovely visit from students at Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ to our FCJ Sisters in Limerick! ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations, Genazzano FCJ College! ... See MoreSee Less
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In the northern part of Europe spring is beginning to show itself - tiny glimpses of new life peeping through the earth, some slight warmth in the sun, and blossom appearing on the trees. But its too early to be fooled into thinking spring has fully arrived - the air is still icy and when the sun disappears frost quickly reappears.... ... See MoreSee Less
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