The Community of Saint John was founded by Father Marie-Dominique Philippe, a Dominican, in 1975. The Order was formed in response to five students of the University of Freiburg, who asked Father Marie-Dominique Philippe to be their spiritual father in 1975. He accompanied them in their desire for monastic life. In 1978, the group was linked to the Cistercian monastery, Lérins Abbey, at which point it was named the Community of Saint John. In 1982, its first monastery was established in Rimont, and its novitiate was opened in 1983, in the Diocese of Lyon. The Community of the Brothers of Saint John has been a religious institute of Diocesan Right, under the Bishop of Autun, since 1986. From 1996 to 2004, the Order experienced several difficulties, including several departures and an obligation to restructure, as well as outside criticism from anti-cult associations. In 2000, the Collège Stanislas de Paris was taken from the control of the Order, at the direction of Cardinal Lustiger. In 2001, Father Marie-Dominique Philippe left the direction of the Order to Father Jean-Pierre-Marie, and stopped teaching in 2003, passing away in 2006. The Brothers of the Roman Catholic religious institute are known as Small Grays, a reference to their gray habit, which consists of a gray tunic and a scapular similar to the black habit of the Benedictines, with a rosary to the waist. Contemplative Sisters of the Order wear an additional white veil, while Apostolic Sisters wear a gray veil. The Order is made up of brothers, both contemplative and apostolic sisters, and oblates. New members go through a seven-year novitiate and training period, after which they live in small communities known as priories. Today, there are priories throughout the world, including four in the United States. Members take religious vows. The Community of Contemplative Sisters of Saint John was founded in 1982, and was established as a Diocesan Congregation of Right in 1994.
Recommended Resources
Dedicated to leading children into the mystery of the Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, following the words of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and others, the program is the work of the Brothers of Saint John. Endorsements, travel information, and a leader’s manual are put forth, along with videos, and products to get Children’s Adoration started in a parish or school.
http://www.childrenofhope.org/
Community of Saint John, Laredo Priory
Established in 1975, the Order was established in Switzerland, and its first priory in the United States was founded in Laredo, Texas in 1986. A profile and history of the international Order is put forth, with an overview of its work in Texas, the United States, and elsewhere. The Family of Saint John - the brothers, sisters and lay oblates - are highlighted, along with its vocations, services, and contacts.
http://csjohn.org/
The members of the Community of Saint John administer Eagle Eye programs as a part of its apostolic efforts geared toward young people, including campus ministry programs, summer mountaineering expeditions, children’s adoration programs, youth pilgrimages, camping excursions, and volunteer programs. Its formation, ministries, and programs are highlighted, with schedules, video, and photographs.
http://www.eagleeyeministries.org/
Situated in Denver, Colorado, the origins of SJI go back to 2003, when Eagle Eye Ministries, an apostolate of the Congregation of Saint John, held its first retreat, and has been offering retreats as well as vocations to religious life. Partnering with Walsh University, SJI provides an accredited MBA in the New Evangelization. Its history, admissions policies, tuition, and financial planning information are provided.
http://www.saintjohninstitute.org/
The Conference of Saint John is a religious community founded in 1975. In 2000, the Congregation opened an English-speaking Novitiate in Princeville, Illinois, where Brothers receive their first formation in religious life before going to France to continue their studies. In 2006, the Congregation began a Spiritual Center that consists of a Conference Center and a Guesthouse, each of which are highlighted here.
https://www.saintjohnsummerconference.com/
The Community of Saint John is a Roman Catholic Order whose members seek to live the evangelical counsels rooted in the three covenants revealed in Saint John’s gospel: the covenant with Jesus in the Eucharist, the covenant with Mary, and the covenant with Peter. A history of the Order and a biography of its founder are put forth, and other members of the family of religious institutes are highlighted.
http://en.stjean.com/
