The Dream of Theodore Bogdan Janski, Apostle of Hope - Congregation of the Resurrection

The Dream of Theodore Bogdan Janski, Apostle of Hope

Congregation of the Resurrection

Editions du Signe

ISBN 9782746818323 

On Ash Wednesday this year I visited a parish I had only been in twice before in my 25 years in town. At the back of the church were stacks of this booklet in both Polish and English. I picked one up to give a read. It is a moving little volume. I cannot find it anywhere online. I am thankful I stumbled across it and have it a read. There is no description on the back of the booklet. I highlighted a few passages when reading through the book. Some of them are:

“When was that moment of grace, the instant he felt God's mercy pouring over him like a life-giving bath of regeneration? Whenever it was, Theodore Bogdan Janski had hit life's bottom and was rescued from a sinful life by God's healing power. This experience of saving grace inspired him to gather a group of young men lo live in a community which became the foundation for the present day Congregation of the Resurrection.”

“Once Bogdan found God through Jesus Christ in the sacrament of Confession, nothing could stop him from telling others about his new life and the hope that it brought him. He began to speak to his companions concerning his dream for a new Christian society.”

“On Ash Wednesday in 1836 Bogdan's dream of a new life for himself and his friends became a reality when he rented a house in Paris and invited Peter and Jerome and several other men to live with him, just like the small group of early Christians mentioned in Acts. They selected Janski as their "Elder Brother: This small community of young men became the inspiration for the Congregation of the Resurrection. Soon a few other men would join them. Brother Bogdan was twenty-nine years old when he formed his new community.”

“You have read the story of our founder; Brother Bogdan Janski. We, the Congregation of the Resurrection have dedicated our lives to his dream for the world. Our message is simple and clear: we strive to help those who are struggling with sin and who feel powerless or dead inside. We tell them of God's love and grace freely available through belief and commitment to Jesus Christ. We help them rise up from the darkness of sin to live in the light of the Gospel.”

“We are faithful to the charism of our Elder Brother Bogdan who illuminated his world with the light of Jesus Christ. We, the members of his Congregation, carry that light wherever we go. Brother Bogdans dream is our dream, too.”

The volume ends with a Beatification prayer to Brother Bogdan:

“Through his intercession, grant me (us) the grace ( ... mention your need) which I ask in Faith. Grant also that one day we may celebrate the beatification

of Brother Bogdan for your greater glory.

We ask all this through Christ Our Lord. 

Amen.”

We are informed that the text and images are taken from the archives of the Congregation of the Resurrection. On every facing page is a full page illustration or photo. It is printed in full colour on high quality glossy paper. It is a beautiful little booklet and the life and message of Brother Bogdan is inspiring and challenging. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!