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Vol. 67 (1987): Our Past

Articles

Blessed Brother Albert - the founder of religious congregations

  • Damian Synowiec
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52204/np.1987.67.27-90  [Google Scholar]
Published: 1987-06-30

Abstract

The personality of Brother Albert Adam Chmielowski (1845-1916) still enjoys great interest among researchers and is surrounded by a cult among the faithful. To this day, literature about the Blessed Brother Albert focuses mainly on his service to the poorest. In this way, he preceded Mother Teresa of Calcutta by about a hundred years. Paradoxically, Brother Albert's activities as the founder of new religious communities received much less attention. Thanks to Brother Albert, two religious families were established: the Albertines and the Albertines, which bear his name. As for Brother Albert himself, he called his communities "Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis serving the poor." Outwardly, they resembled other religious congregations, wearing the Franciscan habit. Like other saints, Brother Albert did not draw up any constitutions for his communities. There is only the "Draft Rule of Monastic Life" on which he worked. Despite the legalization of these gatherings by the Church, he was never ordained a priest. He remained secular until his death, emphasizing action and correcting any irregularities in the spirit of love. His goal was to promote the work of love and constantly call on others to dedicate their lives to serving God and others.

References

  1. Brat Albert, Przewodnik (większy) do Reguły Trzeciego Zakonu S. Franciszka Serafickiego, Kraków 1888. [Google Scholar]
  2. Kluż Wł., Adam Chmielowski — Brat Albert, Kraków 1982. [Google Scholar]
  3. Kluż Wł., Realista, Miejsce Piastowe 1978. [Google Scholar]
  4. Michalski K., Brat Albert, Kraków 1946. [Google Scholar]
  5. Żak-Tarnowski J., Brat Albert, Warszawa 1973. [Google Scholar]

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