OFFICIAL NAME
Missionary Contemplative Movement "P. De Foucauld"
ALSO KNOWN AS
Centro Missionario "P. de Foucauld"
ESTABLISHED
1951
HISTORY
The Movement has its origins in a community to help street children founded in Cuneo as "Boys’ Town" by Fr Andrea Gasparino in the 1950s. The diocesan authorities issued their first approval in 1983. On 14 June 1990 the Pontifical Council for the Laity issued a decree recognising the Movimento Contemplativo Missionario "P. de Foucauld" as an international association of the faithful of Pontifical Right.
IDENTITY
The purpose of the Movement is contemplation in serving the poor, and is made up of fraternities whose members, men and women, live the contemplative dimension in the form of small monastic communities among the poor, with whom they share their lives, to be a sign of God’s love among them, and to bring the love of Christ and the gift of prayer to them. The brothers and sisters receive their formation through a trial period lasting two years preparing them for their vows. Before they are sent to missions in the Third World, the consecrated members undergo a further six-year formation period.
ORGANISATION
The Movement is governed by an Executive Council made up of two Brothers and three Sisters. In addition to the consecrated members, there are also the Fraternity of families, friends and sympathisers.
MEMBERSHIP
The Movement comprises 40 fraternities and is present in 11 countries as follows: Africa (3), Asia (3), Europe (4) and South America (1).
WORKS
The Movement manages canteens for the poor in Madagascar, Ethiopia, Kenya and Bangladesh; a workshop to train people to produce jute articles in Bangladesh; people’s schools and sewing schools.
PUBLICATIONS
Lettere dalle missioni, published every two months.
WEB SITE
http://www.centromissionario.org
HEADQUARTERS
Movimento Contemplativo Missionario "P. de Foucauld"
Corso Francia, 129 - 12100 Cuneo - Italy
Tel. [+39]0171.491.263 - Fax 0171.344.033
Email: cittàdeiragazzi@centromissionario.org
