Joy for Irish priests as ‘prophet of communion’ Blessed Charles de Foucauld to be canonised

Pope Francis confirmed that the French hermit and martyr will be canonised, sparking joy among his followers, who see him as a “prophet of communion” for the modern world.

Fr Niall Ahern, who is responsible for the Jesus Caritas fraternity in Ireland, said the community are “overjoyed” at the announcement, which came Monday May 3.

Fr Ahern believes Blessed Charles de Foucauld – who lived as a hermit among Islamic peoples in North Africa – can be a “sign for our times”

“Blessed Charles embodied in every way the aspiration and concrete expression of what universal brotherhood signifies,” Fr Ahern said.

“He was committed to the culture of encounter – listening to the other at a new depth so that one’s own way of living may be challenged and made new,” he continued. “He promoted dialogue, non-violence and solidarity as the effective way to respect the common good.”

His canonisation will encourage people to follow his example, Fr Ahern believes, adding that at the end of Blessed Charles’ life, not one person followed him.

“But people began to see he had something tremendously beautiful to offer the world,” Fr Ahern said.

His followers today number priests, religious and laity across the world. For more information, contact frniallahern@gmail.com.