Charles de Foucauld: From Sinner to Saint

Charles de Foucauld was canonized on May 15, 2022, marking the culmination of a life that profoundly influenced many, including myself.

His morning prayer, "Lord, one more day to love you," has been a guiding light in my spiritual journey.

As a young sister, these words inspired me to craft a banner bearing this prayer, a cherished artifact that has accompanied me through the decades.

Another cherished memory is receiving a terra cotta figure of the Infant Jesus, crafted by the Little Sisters of Jesus, a community deeply rooted in St. Charles's spirituality.

This figure bears his emblem—a heart and cross—symbolizing his profound love and sacrifice.

During a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, I visited the Poor Clare convent in Nazareth, where St. Charles once served as a porter and servant.

Praying in that chapel connected me deeply to his humble service.

His words, "Jesus is Lord of the impossible," resonate with me, reminding us of the boundless possibilities through faith.

Who Was Charles de Foucauld?

Born in 1858 to French nobility, Charles faced early adversity, becoming an orphan at six.

Raised by his grandfather, he drifted into agnosticism during his youth, leading a life of indulgence supported by a substantial inheritance.

His military career was marked by restlessness, culminating in his resignation at 23.

His explorations in Algeria and Morocco earned him accolades, including a gold medal for his research.

Conversion and Vocation

Encounters with devout Muslims in Morocco stirred a spiritual awakening.

He prayed, "My God, if you exist, let me come to know you," leading to his return to Catholicism at 28.

A pilgrimage to the Holy Land revealed his calling to emulate Jesus's simple life in Nazareth.

Joining the Trappists as Brother Charles of Jesus, he later felt called to a more austere life.

After seven years, he moved to Palestine, living in a modest room, praying, and serving the Poor Clares.

Ordained at 43, he ventured to the Sahara in French Algeria, aspiring to live among the most marginalized.

He established a hermitage offering hospitality to all, regardless of faith, and envisioned a community of "little brothers of Jesus."

He believed, "Our entire person must breathe Jesus, all our actions."

Life Among the Tuaregs

Settling in southern Algeria, Charles immersed himself with the Tuareg people, forging deep friendships.

Over a decade, he studied their culture, mastered their language, translated their poetry, and compiled a dictionary and grammar.

He aspired to live so authentically that others would wonder, "If such is the servant, what must the Master be like?"

In 1916, during an attempted kidnapping, Charles was tragically killed by a young bandit.

The Tuareg people honored him by burying him the following day.

Legacy of St. Charles

While his dream of founding a religious congregation wasn't realized in his lifetime, his spirit endures.

Communities like the Little Brothers of Jesus and the Little Sisters of Jesus embody his vision of radical simplicity, humility, solidarity with the marginalized, and profound love.

His feast day is celebrated on December 1.

St. Charles's Prayer of Abandonment

Father,

I abandon myself into your hands;

do with me what you will.

Whatever you may do, I thank you:

I am ready for all, I accept all.

Let only your will be done in me,

and in all your creatures –

I wish no more than this, O Lord.

Into your hands I commend my soul:

I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,

for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself,

to surrender myself into your hands without reserve,

and with boundless confidence,

for you are my Father.

Is there a saint who has profoundly impacted your life?

Do you have a connection with the Little Brothers or Little Sisters of Jesus?

Reflecting on St. Charles's spirituality, this hymn encapsulates his essence:

[Insert hymn lyrics here]

May his journey from sinner to saint inspire us all.