Pope Francis Commends Brothers of Ploermel Religious Institute for Christian Education During General Chapter in Rome

Inese Steinert – Vatican

Francis noted that the institute’s general chapter coincides with the institute’s 200th anniversary celebration. It is an opportunity to remember the main ideas that led Reverend Jean-Marie de Lamene and Father Gabriel Deschais when they founded the Community of the Brothers of Christian Education in Ploermel. “Today, the work they started is done in different countries of the world, because they believed that everything is possible for those who completely trust in the Lord and serve the basic development of each person,” said the Pope. He invited us not to forget where we come from and to always remember the motivation of our actions.

“Brothers,” said the Pope, “you work in regions of the world where there is poverty, youth unemployment, all kinds of social crises. Therefore, I invite you to be fathers to those to whom you have been sent, fathers whose faces reflect the loving and compassionate face of God. In a world that is constantly changing, you generously give yourself to the service of young people, you pay attention to their wishes, and at the same time turn to Christ, who is the supreme ruler of your life.”

The Holy Father noted that the vocation of the brothers at Ploermel Christian Education makes them go where others do not go – to the margins, towards people who make up the category of the rejected people, the wounded in life and the victims. Francis wanted the presence of the faithful to be a source of hope for many. These people in their fraternal and welcoming spirit will recognize a different face of humanity, not just that which is distorted by wars, indifference and rejection of the weakest. These children, these young people, these people have dreams, but today, for many reasons, they are wounded dreams. “May you succeed in helping to heal their dreams, believe in them and make them come true,” the Pope asked.

The Bishop of Rome noted that children also play in countries that are at war, even under bombs. This can be seen in the pictures that came from these lands. Francis admitted that he is always overwhelmed by meetings with Ukrainian children who were moved to Italy and now live here. These kids can’t laugh. “This is what war does,” said the Pope, “it makes children lose their smile.” Therefore, he called the brothers of Ploermel Christian Education to work so that children can regain the ability to smile.

At the end of the address, the Pope reminded that the Church is one family and that we all, in the diversity of our charisms and callings, collaborate for the salvation of man. “In this wonderful mystery of communion, I rely on your trust as a child and your belonging to the ministry of the Follower of Peter,” said Francis. He invited the Brothers of Ploermel Christian Education to work in close association with the needs in which they are implementing their mission, as well as God’s people; keep away from your life the spirit of pride, closed mind, division and gossip. “Gossip does a lot of damage to religious communities. Good advice for religious men and women is to bite your tongue every time you feel like talking to someone else,” Francis said. By referring to the Apostolic exhortation “Evangelii gaudium”, he reminded that “being in the Church means being the people of God according to the great plan of the Father’s love. He wants to be God’s leaven in the midst of humanity” (114).

At the end of the General Chapter, the brothers renew the dedication of their religious institute to the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary. The Pope wanted their education to always be inspired by Mary, who allowed her word “yes” to realize God’s saving plan for all humanity through her person. “May she help you to develop the desire to go out on the streets to serve, as well as to develop humility, trust in God and the joy of being servants of his mercy and mercy Please do not lose your joy,” said the Pope. He blessed the members of the High Chapel, as well as all the brothers of Ploermel Christian Education and the young people who are with them around the world. As always, Francis invited us to pray for ourselves as well.