Beatification of Charles de Foucauld

Beatification of Charles de Foucauld

On November 13, 2005, Charles was beatified at the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome. He is now honored with the title of "Blessed."

Here is an excerpt from Pope Benedict XVI's address at the Beatification Mass:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Let us give thanks for the witness borne by Charles de Foucauld. In his contemplative and hidden life in Nazareth, he discovered the truth about the humanity of Jesus and invites us to contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation; in this place he learned much about the Lord, whom he wanted to follow with humility and poverty.

He discovered that Jesus, who came to join us in our humanity, invites us to universal brotherhood, which he subsequently lived in the Sahara, and to love, of which Christ gave us the example. As a priest, he placed the Eucharist and the Gospel at the heart of his life, the two tables of the Word and of the Bread, source of Christian life and mission.

The beatification of Charles, a step along the way toward sainthood, is official recognition of his life of heroic virtue. He is a guide for men and women on their journey to God.

The spread of industrialization creates many "deserts" in our world today. More and more people must contend with harsh environments that seem lonely, barren, and meaningless. Globalization is also mixing together people of different beliefs and cultures. In this changing world, we can receive the silent witness of Charles as a beautiful gift, a source of hope and inspiration for all of us.

A statue of Charles made by Rose Ann Monna, a Canadian sculptor and friend of the Little Sisters.