Congregation of Jesus and Mary facts for kids
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Congregatio Iesu et Mariae
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| Abbreviation | CIM, CJM |
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| Nickname | Eudists |
| Formation | 25 March 1643 |
| Founder | Saint John Eudes, C.I.M. |
| Founded at | Caen, Normandy, France |
| Type | Society of Apostolic Life of Pontifical Right for men |
| Headquarters | Via dei Querceti 15, Rome, Italy |
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Membership (2020)
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492 members (includes 361 priests) (2020) |
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Superior General
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Fr. Jean-Michel Amouriaux, C.I.M. |
The Congregation of Jesus and Mary (also known as the Eudists) is a group of Catholic priests, deacons, and laypeople. They are part of the Catholic Church and work together to serve God and others. Saint John Eudes started this group in France on March 25, 1643. They are named after him!
Contents
History of the Eudists
The Eudists were founded in Caen, a city in Normandy, France, on March 25, 1643. Their main goal was to train priests in special schools called seminaries. They also helped people in local churches through "parish missions." These missions were like special events to teach and inspire people.
To help their members grow in faith, Father Eudes started a special yearly celebration. It honored the holy priesthood of Jesus Christ and all priests. This celebration was very important to the Eudists. It helped them prepare to renew their promises as priests.
Early Seminaries and Growth
During Father Eudes' lifetime, the Eudists opened several seminaries in France. These included schools in Caen (1643), Coutances (1650), and Rennes (1670). These were "major" seminaries, mainly for students becoming priests. They also welcomed priests who wanted to study more. Sometimes, even lay students (people not becoming priests) joined their theology courses.
After Father Eudes passed away, the Eudists continued to grow. They took charge of more seminaries. Some of these were "little" seminaries. They helped students from poorer families who wanted to serve in country churches. These students started their studies early and learned both regular school subjects and church studies.
Challenges and Changes
The French Revolution (around 1789-1799) caused big problems for Catholic groups in France. The government took away much of their property. Three Eudist priests, Fathers Hébert, Claude Pottier, and Jacques-François Lefranc, were killed in Paris in 1792. They were later recognized as martyrs by Pope Pius XI in 1926.
After the Revolution, the Eudists could not get their old seminaries back. So, they started new kinds of work. They began doing missionary work and teaching in high schools. Later, a law in 1906 in France made it difficult for them to continue their work there.
Eudists Around the World
Despite these challenges, the Eudists expanded globally. In the early 1900s, they opened schools in Belgium and Spain. They also directed seminaries in places like Cartagena, Spain, and Panama in South America.
In Canada, they had a seminary in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They also ran a college at Church Point, Nova Scotia, and other places. The Eudists' main office for North America is in Quebec, Canada.
Eudists in the United States and Asia
In 1947, the Eudists opened a seminary in Langley Park, Maryland, in the United States. They operated it until 1963. Today, they have a community in San Diego, California. There, they help with a local church.
In 2005, the Eudists started their first community in Asia, in the Tagaytay area of the Philippines. They later moved to Quezon City and have a training house there. They also have a retreat house in Taytay, Rizal, where they help with church activities and spiritual retreats.
How the Eudists are Organized
Father Eudes decided that his group would not take traditional religious vows. However, the Eudists still follow strict rules, much like other religious orders. Their organization is similar to the Oratorians, a group Father Eudes belonged to for many years.
The highest power in the Eudist Congregation is the general assembly. This group chooses the superior general, who leads for five years. The superior general makes important decisions. For example, they choose local leaders and decide where members will work. They also approve new members and manage important projects. The superior general gets help from assistants chosen by the general assembly.
The Eudists' main office for the whole world is in Rome, Italy. In 2020, the superior general was Father Jean-Michel Amouriaux. As of 2023, about 500 Eudists serve in seventeen different countries around the globe.
What Eudists Do (Apostolates)
The Eudists are an international group of priests, deacons, and laypeople. They share their prayer life, experiences, and work to help others. Their work is called "apostolates."
The Eudists are involved in many different activities:
- Seminaries: They train future priests.
- Formation of the Laity: They help regular church members grow in their faith.
- Chaplaincies: They serve as spiritual guides in places like schools or hospitals.
- Catholic Education: They teach in Catholic schools.
- Parishes: They work in local churches.
- Spiritual Centers: They run places where people can go for prayer and reflection.
In France, the Eudists operate the Foyer Saint Jean Eudes. This is a guesthouse in Paris. It provides a place to stay for university students. It also hosts people attending meetings or conferences organized by Catholic groups.
See also
- Institutes of consecrated life
- Religious institute (Catholic)
- Vocational Discernment in the Catholic Church
