The document, entitled Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the Church, focuses on the role non-ordained men play in various religious orders around the world, Vatican Insider reports. Commonly referred to as brothers, such men do not receive priestly ordination but are normally consecrated or anointed into a life of service with their order.

It notes that the first title Jesus assumed for himself and for his disciples was that of brother.

"Jesus Christ first of all became brother, shared our flesh and blood and was in solidarity with the sufferings of his brothers and sisters," the document says. "This is the title Jesus gives his disciples after his Resurrection."

"The Religious Brother, living his lay state through a special consecration, is witness to the value of the common priesthood received in Baptism and Confirmation," the 54-page document says. "His religious consecration is in itself an exercise in the fullness of the priesthood of all the baptized."

"Rooting his life deeply in God, the Brother consecrates all creation, recognizing the presence of God and the Spirit's action in creation, in cultures and in daily events," the document continues.

"The Brother develops his baptismal priesthood through brotherhood," the document continues. "Through it he becomes a bridge between God and his brothers, anointed and sent by the Spirit to bring the Good News of the love and mercy of God to all, especially to the least of his brothers, the weakest members of humanity."

The document describes brothers' communities "a prime manifestation of the baptismal priesthood."

According to CruxNow, there are about 55,000 brothers in the Catholic Church worldwide today.

Sources

• Global Pulse, an article by Stefan Gigacz, who is working on his Ph.D. at MCD University of Divinity, Melbourne.
• Image: Catholic Diocese of Umzimkulu

Solomon Star West Guadalcanal stringer John Toki reported that more than 30 members of the Melanesian Brothers, Selwyn College students and members of the surrounding communities participated in the program.

The Melanesian Brotherhood was founded by Ini Kopuria, a Solomon Islander on the Island of Guadalcanal, in 1900.

After being educated at the Anglican church schools of Pamua and later in Norfolk Island he joined the British Protectorate's native armed police force.

In 1924, when he was recovering in hospital from a leg injury, he received an experience of Christ, which was to change his life.

He believed that Christ had spoken to him and told him that he was not doing the work that Christ wanted him to do.

He began, with the encouragement of Bishop John Manwaring Steward, to realise God was calling him to start a community of indigenous Solomon Island men who would evangelise people in the most remote islands and villages throughout Solomon Islands; people who had not heard the message of Christ.

The Brothers went out in pairs and lived as brothers to the people, respecting their traditions of everyday life.

They take the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience for three years that can be renewed.

Today, the work of the Brotherhood has reached other countries beyond Solomon Islands.

The Melanesian Brotherhood has three regions in the Pacific:

• Solomon Islands - includes Brothers in the Philippines and Vancouver
• Papua New Guinea
• Southern Region - that includes Vanuatu, New Caledonia and the Diocese of Polynesia.

The Brotherhood became well known around the world for their efforts at peace-making during the ethnic tension that existed in the Solomon Islands from 1998 to 2003 .

Source

• solomonstarnews.com
• ordersanglican.org
• Image: orderanglican.org