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| Community Profile |
| Congregation of the Fathers of Mercy |
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| Community Information |
International? | Yes |
No. in community (professed members) | 27 |
Year founded | 1808 |
Generalate/ motherhouse | South Union, KY |
Province/federation | |
Represented in US (Arch)dioceses | Louisville, KY; Owensboro, KY |
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| About Us |
Mission statement/description
The Fathers of Mercy bring the mercy of God to the prodigal children of our times by preaching parish missions and retreats at the request of a bishop or pastor. The group was formed by Fr. Jean Baptiste Rauzan in the aftermath of the French Revolution, to foster the salvation of souls. These Fathers promise to bring a zeal for the salvation of souls to a materialistic and pleasure-centered culture of death that has so blinded humanity in such a way that people have not only lost sight of the Way, but are also unaware that they are lost. |
Qualifications for entry
The community looks for good, solid men to spread the Mercy of God to all. Candidates are those who believe that God may be calling them to pursue a religious vocation, especially as a missionary preacher. |
Formation program
A candidate first completes a brief postulancy, followed by a five-day retreat, after which he enters a year of novitiate training to discern his vocation. During this year, the foundation of the spiritual life is laid. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the prayerful recitation of the Divine Office and various spiritual exercises, including mental prayer and the Rosary, fill the novice's day. Spiritual reading and classes engage the mind, while manual labor and recreation keep the body strong. Finally, teaching catechism and visiting local parishes prepare the novice for the apostolates of preaching parish missions and staffing rural parishes. After making first profession of vows, the brothers begin their priestly formation. |
Age range/limit
18-40 |
Consider belated vocations?
No |
Belated/late vocations explanation
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Institute on Religious Life, P.O. Box 7500, Libertyville, IL 60048-7500
Tel: (847) 573-8975 - Fax: (847) 573-8960 |
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