The Brothers of Christian Instruction of Saint Gabriel is a Catholic religious institute formed in 1824, although its roots go back to Saint Louis de Montfort, who opened schools for poor children in France in the early 1700s. Montfort is credited for founding the Company of Mary and the Daughters of Wisdom, and was an early writer in the field of Mariology. The family of religious institutes founded by, or through the inspiration of Saint Montfort are sometimes referred to collectively as the Montfortian Family. While Louis de Montfort traveled, he was often accompanied by brothers, who assisted him in his work. In the 18th century, the Company of Mary was headquartered at Saint-Laurent. After the French Revolution, the congregation was brought back together through the guidance of Father Gabriel Deshayes, receiving official approbation under the name of Brothers of Christian Instruction of the Holy Spirit. A motherhouse, named Saint Gabriel, was established for the brothers that separated them from the priests of the Company of Mary. In 1853, by decree of Napoleon III, the institute became the Brothers of Christian Instruction of Saint Gabriel, although they are commonly known as the Gabrielite Brothers. The institute's chief ministry is Christian education, particularly of the poor, orphans, and those who are physically challenged. The Lay Associates of the Brothers of Christian Instruction are lay men and women who share in the work of the Brothers. Headquartered in France, the Brothers of Christian Instruction of Saint Gabriel have locations in Canada, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, Spain, and Thailand.
Recommended Resources
Brothers of Christian Instruction in the United States of America
Founded by Jean-Marie de la Mennais and Gabriel Deshayes, members of the Congregation take vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, with an apostolate of service to God’s people, particularly youth, through Christian education. Its history, mission, and programs are featured. Retreat facilities and costs, accommodations, chapels, and shelter programs are discussed.
http://www.brothersofchristianinstruction.org/
Institute of the Brothers of Saint Gabriel Society
The Institute of the Brothers of Saint Gabriel Society, Province of North-East India, is a non-profit Catholic organization guided by the spirituality of Saint Louis Montfort, and located at Montfort Villa, Kulikawn, Aizawl, Mizoram. Its associations, rules and regulations, registration and other details are put forth, along with membership information, the general body of the institute, and governing body members.
http://www.ibsgnortheast.org/
Montfort Brothers of Saint Gabriel
Saint Montfort founded the Catholic congregation in the early 18th century, but the organization fell into disarray during the French Revolution, in which four fathers, four brothers, and thirty-three sisters were massacred. Father Gabriel Deshayes became Superior General in 1821, and is recognized as the re-founder of the congregation. Its history, statistical data, organization, and contacts are posted.
http://www.stgabrielinst.org/
Montfort Brothers of Saint Gabriel, National Council - India
The Brothers of Saint Gabriel are part of a worldwide Montfortian family founded by Saint Louis Marie de Montfort in France in the early 18th century, which became an autonomous society in 1842, working in the fields of general education, vocational training, and the education of the physically challenged. Its national council, central administration, and a photo gallery are put forth.
http://montfortbrothers.com/
Montfort Brothers of Saint Gabriel, Province of Northeast India
Founded by Saint Louis Marie de Montfort in France in 1705, the Catholic religious institute has spread to several countries, where its members are engaged in the mission of education. A history of the international congregation and its founder is put forth, along with a brief history of the province, its activities, institutions, and formation process. A newsletter and support information is presented.
http://www.montfortnortheast.org/
Montfort Brothers of Saint Gabriel, Province of Pune
The Province of Pune and Hyderabad were created in 2006 through a bifurcation of the Province of Central India. A brief history of the Catholic religious institute and its founder is put forth, along with its communities, facilities and services, membership information, news about its ministries and missions, commissions, and contacts. News and announcements are published to the site.
http://montfortpuneprovince.org/
Montfort Fathers, Vice-Province, India
The Montfort Missionaries arrived in India in 1974, soon branching out into different states and countries. The founder and pioneers of the Catholic movement are highlighted, and the Montfortian family of Catholic congregations is introduced, including its initial and ongoing formation process, its national and international missions, Marian Center, and the text of the founder’s writings.
http://www.montfortindia.org/
