The Franciscan Fraternity of Betania
A life shared between prayer, welcome and fraternity.
At the origin of Fundação Betania ONLUS is the Franciscan Fraternity of Betania, an institute of consecrated life founded in 1982 by Father Pancrazio Nicola Gaudioso.
It is made up of brothers and sisters who choose to live a simple life together, founded on prayer, welcome and fraternal relationship. The Fraternity continues to be the human and spiritual heart from which everything originates.
Who we are
The Fraternity is made up of men and women who consecrate themselves to God through the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
We live together, sharing daily life and building relationships founded on trust, simplicity and listening. Our presence is above all human: a life lived together that becomes a concrete sign for others.
A simple and concrete spirituality
Our founder
The Fraternity's spirituality is Marian and Franciscan.
It is inspired by the figure of Mary and the style of Saint Francis of Assisi: a simple life, open to others, attentive to people's spiritual and material needs.
Spirituality
This vision also stems from a reflection by the founder, who invites us to live in balance between action and silence, between service and contemplation. The Fraternity's houses are places of welcome and relationship.
A charism founded on three pillars
Prayer
Prayer is the heart of the Fraternity's life. It is where the relationship with God is born and fraternal life is nourished.
Welcome
Welcome is expressed through sharing daily life. Those who enter Betania are invited to take part, not just to observe.
Fraternal life
Living together is the most concrete sign of their vocation. Being brothers and sisters means living real relationships, every day.
A home open to all
The Fraternity's houses are true "spiritual oases", where anyone can be welcomed.
The welcome is extended to:
- •those seeking a deeper relationship with God
- •those going through difficult times
- •families and young people on a journey
- •people engaged in religious life or discernment
Those who arrive do not remain spectators, but are involved in the daily life of the community.
A presence in several countries
The Fraternity is present in Italy, Europe and Brazil, adapting its presence to the needs of each local area.
A bigger family
Alongside the Franciscan Fraternity of Betania, a broader reality has grown over time: the Familiars of Betania.
These are people who, in different ways, take part in the life and charism of the Fraternity, sharing its spirit in daily life.
Youth of Betania
Young people who meet regularly to live an experience of faith and carry this journey into their daily lives.
Families
Journeys dedicated to families to grow in faith, in relationship and in married life.
Prayer groups
People who come together to share moments of prayer according to the Fraternity's spirituality.
Oblates
Lay people who choose to share the charism more deeply, committing to a personal spiritual journey.
The mission in Brazil
The Fraternity is present in Salvador de Bahia, in a context of strong social vulnerability.
Here it is dedicated in particular to the education and support of children and families.
It is in this context that Fundação Betânia Onlus was born.
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