Charles De Foucauld: A Saint for Our Time

Charles de Foucauld

by Jean-Jacques Antier

5 out of 5

FREE

Charles de Foucauld was a French Catholic priest and hermit who lived in the Sahara Desert among the Tuareg people. He was assassinated in 1916, and was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2016.

De Foucauld was born into a wealthy family in Strasbourg, France, in 1858. He was a brilliant student, and entered the French military academy at Saint-Cyr at the age of 18. After graduating, he served in Algeria for several years.

In 1886, de Foucauld left the military and converted to Catholicism. He spent the next several years studying for the priesthood, and was ordained in 1901.

After his ordination, de Foucauld spent some time working in France, but he soon felt called to go to the Sahara Desert. He arrived in Tamanrasset, Algeria, in 1905, and began to live among the Tuareg people.

De Foucauld lived a simple life among the Tuareg. He learned their language and customs, and he shared their food and shelter. He also ministered to their spiritual needs, baptizing many of them and teaching them about the Catholic faith.

De Foucauld's work among the Tuareg was not without its challenges. He was often lonely and isolated, and he faced many hardships. However, he never gave up on his mission to bring the Gospel to the desert people.

In 1916, de Foucauld was assassinated by a group of Tuareg raiders. He was 58 years old.

De Foucauld was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2016. He is considered a model of Christian charity and humility, and his work among the Tuareg people continues to inspire Christians today.

The Life of Charles De Foucauld

Charles de Foucauld was born into a wealthy family in Strasbourg, France, in 1858. His father was a cavalry officer, and his mother was a devout Catholic. De Foucauld was baptized as a child, but he did not receive any formal religious education.

After his father's death in 1864, de Foucauld was sent to live with his grandparents in Nancy. He was a bright and curious child, and he excelled in his studies. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, and he developed a love of nature.

In 1876, de Foucauld entered the French military academy at Saint-Cyr. He graduated in 1878, and was commissioned as a lieutenant in the cavalry.

De Foucauld served in Algeria for several years. He was a brave and skilled soldier, and he quickly rose through the ranks. However, he also became disillusioned with the military life. He found it to be too materialistic and superficial.

In 1886, de Foucauld left the military and converted to Catholicism. He spent the next several years studying for the priesthood, and was ordained in 1901.

After his ordination, de Foucauld spent some time working in France. He served as a chaplain in a hospital, and he also taught religion to children. However, he soon felt called to go to the Sahara Desert.

In 1905, de Foucauld arrived in Tamanrasset, Algeria. He began to live among the Tuareg people, and he quickly learned their language and customs. He also shared their food and shelter, and he ministered to their spiritual needs.

De Foucauld lived a simple life among the Tuareg. He wore a traditional Tuareg robe, and he ate the same food as the Tuareg people. He also learned to speak their language fluently.

De Foucauld's work among the Tuareg was not without its challenges. He was often lonely and isolated, and he faced many hardships. However, he never gave up on his mission to bring the Gospel to the desert people.

In 1916, de Foucauld was assassinated by a group of Tuareg raiders. He was 58 years old.

De Foucauld was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2016. He is considered a model of Christian charity and humility, and his work among the Tuareg people continues to inspire Christians today.

Charles de Foucauld

by Jean-Jacques Antier

5 out of 5

FREE