HISTORYThe 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
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,
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 America, in the Middle East and in Asia and in Oceania.
APOSTOLATESIn 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 LIVETHE COMMUNITY IN ISRAEL The Community has been present in Israel since 1975. Our vocation is to pray for the full Redemption of Israel and to work for the mutual understanding and reconciliation between Jews and Christians. Since 1993 we have welcomed pilgrims and visitors to the Holy Place of Emmaus and taken care of the archaeological site.
The beauty of the site and its distance from the
cities creates a peaceful haven of quiet and solitude, and the possibility of
living a powerful experience of God with others. phone: +972 (8) 925 69 40 The international web site of the Community: Mural at the chapel of the Beatitudes Community at Emmaus-Nicopolis:
Mary Daughter of Zion
| The founder of the Community of the Beatitudes, Ephraim Croissant in 1975
The first brothers & sisters of the Community in Israel, 1978
Our patron saints: saint Joseph saint Jean-Marie Batiste Vianney saint Seraphim of Sarov Our spiritual teacher, saint Thérèse of Lisieux ![]() Celebration of the Easter Vigil at the Byzantine basilica of Emmaus A walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus is led by the Community every Easter Monday Celebration of Shabbat Prayer service in the chapel of the Community Israeli folk dances are a tradition of the Community Guiding a group of pilgrims at the archaeological site of Emmaus |