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 Franciscan Fraternity of Betania is an Institute of Consecrated Life of diocesan right within the Roman Catholic Church, made up of brothers, both clerics and lay, and sisters who consecrate themselves to God by taking public vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.
The Fraternity's charism is expressed in prayer and welcome, lived within a deep experience of fraternal life.
A simple, down-to-earth spirituality
Our founder
The charism and spirituality of our Institute draw their main inspiration from the prayer and reflection of our founder on a manuscript written and received by Saint Pio of Pietrelcina in 1959.
“Do not devote yourself so entirely to the work of Martha that you forget the silence of Mary; may the Virgin Mother, who so beautifully unites both callings, be your gentle model and inspiration.”
Spirituality
The Gospel icon of Bethany, present in this programme of life, inspires and guides our daily life in the light of the Gospel. In it we find a way of fraternity, welcome, simplicity and communion, lived in the light and motherly presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary and in the simplicity and joy of Saint Francis of Assisi. This is the inspiration from which our spirituality is born and draws its strength, and that is why we recognise it as Marian and Franciscan.
A charism founded on three pillars
Prayer
“Prayer is the first pillar of our charism because it comes before the others and, in a certain sense, gives rise to them. Prayer calls upon the presence of Christ among us, a presence that builds fraternity; it is each person's intimacy with Jesus Christ, the indispensable nourishment that keeps alive the fire of true love, which makes us capable of an authentic fraternal life and a true welcome” (Father Pancrazio Gaudioso)
Welcome
By sharing the different moments of our day, those who come to our Houses can find, in prayer, in the sacraments and in fraternal life, a true and life-giving encounter with Jesus.
Fraternal life
Fraternal life is the first place of welcome, and it must be lived first of all towards the brother and sister the Lord has placed beside us. So “brother” and “sister” are not simply titles, but what we truly are and are called to live out among ourselves, among people and for the Church.
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 wider community 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 the Centro Nossa Senhora Aparecida was born
Discover the Centre