The birth of a congregation
Since the beginning of Christianity people have formed communities to live and pray together, to follow in Jesus Christ steps. Faithful communities organised themselves in orders and congregations to promote the good news and to respond to a particular charism (from the Greek word charis, meaning “grace” or “free gift”) that, as the Holy Spirit, inspired the founder with the identity and mission of the congregation. Some orders may last for centuries, some disappear, others are created. The perennial renewal of the Holy Spirit in each generation asks all of us to confront the challenges of our times with an open heart and to respond with bravery and compassion. The 19th century (the years 1800) were very uncertain and insecure, in Europe and abroad, with revolutions and social upheaval and in those times many Christians were inspired to create communities to assist the victims of war, famine and…