“ The prospect of young people being called to religious life in your family is a good both for them and for the Church.” (Cardinal Braz de Aviz, Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, June 2016)

How can I join?

The Lord’s call

It is Jesus himself who call someone to follow him in a particular way of life. when he draws that person interiorly towards a particular community and gives him the desire to become one of its members. Only Jesus can do it.

Therefore, only you can discern the call of God in your life. However, speaking with a spiritual director,  (father, brother, sister, lay people) will help you in your discernment.

Our life finds its balance with four main dimensions: prayer, fraternal life, study, and mission (Ac 2:42). We live a life of silent prayer and fraternal communion but we are also sent into the world as witnesses to God’s love and to the truth that his Word and love bring to all men.

If you feel that our particular way of following Jesus in religious life could be attractive to you, we would recommend you to get in contact and to know better the brothers and their community life . The best way to do that is through visit us in our priory located in Addis Ababa. You could have personal meetings with the brothers and join for one of our yearly programs (link to the agenda) or summer camps (link to the page). However, if you’re not ready to make the trip to Addis Ababa, you may also have an online meeting with the Vocations Director or another member of the vocations team to see what is the best next step for you.

Whom should I contact?

If you wish to meet the brothers, inquire about entering the community, or have questions about your vocation, we encourage you to contact the Vocations Director, Fr. Benoît David.

Phone number: +251 93 951 3113 (WhatsApp, Telegram)
frbd@stjean.com

Consecrated life

To be a brother of saint john is to be a « religious ». ‘Religare’ in Latin means ‘fastened to’ or ‘bound to’. Thus, a Brother of Saint John is called by Jesus to be with him, like an intimate friend bounded forever through vows and a life of fraternity.

The 3 vows

We make three promises: the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Thus, we embrace that same form of life “which he, as the Son of God, accepted in entering this world.” (Vita Consecrata, 16)

Formation process

Stages of Initial Formation

For a college graduate or young professional

1. Aspirancy
In this first exposure to religious life, aspirants live in our priory of Addis Ababa. They come to know the brothers and experience the normal rhythm of prayer, study, and mission while laying the foundations for a good discernment. This stage usually lasts 9 months. They join the School of life program (link to the page).

English is our common language for formation. Therefore, the level of English will be tested and improved (if needed) before to enter the next stage.

2. Postulancy
For around 9 months, postulants continue to live with us and intensify their exposure to mission. They live with the brothers, grow in service, help with missions, and also attend several classes on human and spiritual formation (Brehan program).

3. Novitiate
This stage, which lasts for around 18 months, signifies the official entrance into the community.  For English formation in Africa, the Noviciate is located in Philippines; (as for a French formation, it is located in Togo).  Novices reside in a Formation House where they develop their discernment while leading a life of prayer and study.  Their primary goals are to comprehend the vows, grow closer to Christ, and get ready for temporary engagement.  During the novitiate, a brother also receives a new name and the religious habit.

4. Temporary Vows
After his initial engagement to the religious vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience A brother spends two years studying philosophy.  The studies are followed by an additional one or two years of apostolic internship.  During this period, a brother also starts his theological studies and becomes ready for perpetual vows.

5. Perpetual Vows and Priesthood
After confirming his vocation throughout the years of initial formation final profession, marks the final stage of consecration to religious life and the Church’s service. Following this last commitment, ordination occurs for those called to become priests.

Lay consecrated brother or brother priest?

With the Brothers of Saint John, you will live a life of prayer, fraternity, and purpose where you will be able to discern your call. We will support you at every turn, assisting you in identifying and becoming ready for the special journey God has in store for you, whether you feel called to serve as a Lay Consecrated Brother or as a Brother Priest.

You will start to identify your calling in the Brotherhood as early as postulancy:

A lay consecrated brother
The one who is totally devoted to Christ and serves the Church and community by living a life of presence, ministry, and prayer without pursuing ordination.

 A brother priest
Someone who has been called by the Church to minister the sacraments and guide others through priestly service.

The community closely collaborates with you during your formation to identify your unique calling:

Early Discernment
During postulancy, you will start to consider if you would choose to be a Brother Priest or a Lay Consecrated Brother.

Ongoing Formation
You will undergo specific training designed for the life of a Lay Consecrated Brother if you feel called to this vocation.

Before final profession
The community will work with you to determine if you are called to become a Lay Consecrated Brother or to pursue your path in priesthood.