Priests mark 40 years of fraternity

Over 25 priests, from 12 different dioceses came together at Mount St Joseph’s Cistercian Abbey, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary last week to pray together on retreat.

They are members of the Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests, inspired by the life and writings of (Blessed) Charles de Foucauld (1858 -1916).

The Fraternity has over 200 priests in Ireland who gather monthly in small groups for prayer, Gospel sharing and who review their lives in the context of mutual support from their fellow priests in today’s challenging times when many have a feeling of isolation.

The Fraternity came to Ireland 40 years ago this year, and the first members were priests from different parts of Ireland based in Dublin who were led by Fr Peter Lemass.