The Brothers of Saint John
Founded in 1975 in Fribourg and recognised as a Religious Congregation of Diocesan Right in 1986.
Who are we?
Apostolic Sisters of Saint John
The Congregation of the Apostolic Sisters of Saint John is a religious institute of diocesan right under the authority of the Bishop of Autun (France). Founded in 1984 in France, it now has about 160 sisters spread over 4 continents: Europe, Africa, America and Asia.
The Charism
“We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life” (1 Jn 1:1)
Like Saint John, we seek to remain close to the Lord and to proclaim the Word of life. Friendship with Christ is the adventure of our whole life, and we wish to help others discover it.
Our Missions
Sent by Christ to serve the Church, our missions are driven by a common desire: to lead people to an encounter with Christ.
Life of Prayer
Through prayer and listening to the Word of God that enriches our daily lives, we seek to remain close to the Lord, in the midst of our daily activities, and to allow ourselves to be sent forth by Him.
Formation
The formation enables our religious life to unfold as a journey of becoming more like Christ. It also helps us to put our intellect at the service of the faith and the proclamation of the Gospel.
Community Life
Through our fraternal gatherings we share who we are and what we have, in order to build and foster communion.
Our Government
In March 2024, the Dicastery appointed an Apostolic Commissioner, an assistant and two other persons entrusted with accompanying the Sisters.
Father Benoît GRIERE
Augustinian of the Assumption, Apostolic Commissary
Sister Danielle EON
Religieuse de la Retraite, Assistant Apostolic Commissary
Sister Marie-Jo MARTEL
Auxiliaire du Sacerdoce
Father Philippe POTIER
Diocese of Versailles
The History of the Congregation
Founded in the 20th century, the Congregation of the Apostolic Sisters of Saint John is part of the ‘Family of Saint John’ and continues its mission with complete transparency and fidelity to the Church.
1984
Foundation of the Congregation
Father Marie-Dominique Philippe, O.P. is the historical founder of the Congregation of the Apostolic Sisters of Saint John
1993
Recognition of the Congregation of the Apostolic Sisters of Saint John
Decree of 7 October establishing an Institute of Diocesan Right
2013
Official statement regarding abuse
The Congregation firmly condemns these abuses and has resolutely distanced itself from its founder. With the support of the ecclesiastical authorities, it is engaged on a path of discernment.
2021
Reform and renewal with the assistance of an external commission
The General Chapter of the Apostolic Sisters held in November 2021 requested that the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life carry out a ‘comprehensive audit’ of the Congregation. This audit took place in 2023 and enabled the sisters to articulate the problems affecting their Congregation.
Following the submission of the auditors’ report in December 2023, the Dicastery notes the Apostolic Sisters of Saint John’s deep attachment to Christ, their trust in the Church, and their courage in facing personal and institutional difficulties. It deems it necessary to establish fraternal and pastoral support, so that the sisters may navigate the current crisis by ensuring a better religious formation, clarifying the spiritual heritage of the Institute, and providing the sisters who need it with all the necessary assistance to continue on their path to holiness [1].
In March 2024, the Dicastery appointed an Apostolic Commissioner, accompanied by two religious Sisters and a priest, to serve until the next elective General Chapter.
[1] Decree CIVCSVA for the SASJ 11 Feb 2024
The Family of Saint-John
Composed of four branches – the Brothers, the Contemplative Sisters, the Apostolic Sisters and the Oblates – the Family of Saint John shares a common spirituality and meets regularly.
Each of the three religious Congregations is autonomous in its functioning: constitutions, governing bodies, and financial management.
Find the priory nearest to you
Our doors are open to everyone. Come and share a moment of prayer, encounter and fraternal communion with the Sisters.
