Site contents:

• Welcome

• Beatitudes  Community at Emmaus
• The History of Emmaus
• Emmaus in Jewish tradition
• Emmaus in Christian tradition
• Archaeology
• Frequently asked questions
• Emmaus-Nicopolis Library
• Information for visitors
• Support us
  

Carmelites of the Holy Land

Betharram Fathers

THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF THE BEATITUDES

HISTORY

 The Beatitudes Community was founded in France in 1973, by Ephraim Croissant and his wife Jo and another couple. It is one of the new communities expressing new forms of 'consecrated' life, in response to the challenges of our times. Following the Second Vatican Council's call for a powerful awakening of the People of God, particularly the laity, the Community’s members seek to answer God's call by consecrating their lives to God and committing themselves in a community life, both contemplative and apostolic. 

NAME

 'Beatitudes' is a part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in the Gospels according to Matthew and Luke:

"When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Mt 5, 1-12).`

VOCATION

 The community - as people of God - gathers in a spirit of chastity people of all states of life: married couples, brothers and sisters, celibates, deacons and priests living according to the principles of the first Christian community. There are about 1000 members in the Community. The houses of the Community exist in five continents: in Europe, in Africa, in Americas, in the Middle East and in Asia and in Oceania.
 The brothers and sisters of the Community of the Beatitudes make commitments of prayer, obedience and poverty. All members strive to live the Beatitudes in a spirit of contemplative prayer and solicitude for the poor, donating themselves with joy and enthusiasm in their apostolate in the service of the Church.
 In the liturgy we seek to participate already in the beauty of the Kingdom. Our life is centered on the Eucharist and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which is the heart and summit of each day. We live a total consecration to Mary according to the spirit of St Louis Grignon de Montfort. All members of the Beatitudes, whether lay men and women, married or single, religious or priests, are called to a common vocation of prayer and holiness, inspired by the Carmelite tradition and in particular, the spirituality of St. Therese of Lisieux: "In the heart of the Church, my Mother, I will be love."
 This experience of God's love in prayer and a life of fraternal communion are shared with those who come and make us sensitive to all forms of poverty and suffering.

APOSTOLATES

 In response to local needs and at the service of the Church, apostolates and evangelization of various kinds are undertaken. For example: retreat centres, evangelization with youth, a Christian radio station and production of CDs and DVDs, publication of books, fabrication of icons and hosts, care of the terminally ill, pilgrimages and conferences, artistic creation for the glory of God.

HOW WE LIVE

 We live by the work of our hands, our apostolates, hospitality and the daily experience of God's presence and care through Providence. For more important projects we rely on donations and the generosity of our benefactors.