Alexian Brothers: a Virtual Cemetery

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A Virtual Cemetery created by Crystal

Alexian Brothers

Alexian Brothers in America

In 1865, the General Council of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers chose Brother Bonaventure Thelen, C.F.A. to establish an Alexian Brothers house in America. Leaving from Aachen, Germany late in 1865, Brother Bonaventure arrived in the United States on January 2, 1866. From his landing in New York City, he traveled to Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Chicago, St. Louis, Quincy, and back to Chicago in an attempt to establish a hospital in one of the cities. Almost out of money and hope, Brother Bonaventure was approved by The Right Reverend James Duggan, Bishop of Chicago, to collect alms for a hospital. By June of 1866, he had collected enough money to build a small, six-bed infirmary on the corner of Dearborn and Schiller Streets. The very first patient for Alexian Brothers Hospital was carried from the street into the hospital by Brother Bonaventure himself.

The Alexian Brothers have conducted missions in Peru, Brazil, Mexico, and operated healthcare institutions in various locations throughout the United States. Currently they have missions in the Philippines and Hungary bringing healthcare to the less fortunate. These missions have blossomed into a branches of the congregation. The Alexian Brothers AIDS ministries began in 1985 when the disease was stigmatized and very little known about it, much like their humble beginning in the time of the Black Plague.

The Alexian Brothers proclaim "the love of Christ compels us!" It is from this powerful expression that their Congregational lives and engages in their ministry. For over 800 years, the Alexian Brothers have dedicated their lives to the care of the sick, poor, dying, and marginalized people in society in collaboration with others. Daily Eucharist and communal prayer have supported them in living their Way of Life. The foundation in religious life of prayer and life in community sustains the Brothers in sharing Christ's healing mission

For more information please visit Congregation of Alexian Brothers

Alexian Brothers in America

In 1865, the General Council of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers chose Brother Bonaventure Thelen, C.F.A. to establish an Alexian Brothers house in America. Leaving from Aachen, Germany late in 1865, Brother Bonaventure arrived in the United States on January 2, 1866. From his landing in New York City, he traveled to Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Chicago, St. Louis, Quincy, and back to Chicago in an attempt to establish a hospital in one of the cities. Almost out of money and hope, Brother Bonaventure was approved by The Right Reverend James Duggan, Bishop of Chicago, to collect alms for a hospital. By June of 1866, he had collected enough money to build a small, six-bed infirmary on the corner of Dearborn and Schiller Streets. The very first patient for Alexian Brothers Hospital was carried from the street into the hospital by Brother Bonaventure himself.

The Alexian Brothers have conducted missions in Peru, Brazil, Mexico, and operated healthcare institutions in various locations throughout the United States. Currently they have missions in the Philippines and Hungary bringing healthcare to the less fortunate. These missions have blossomed into a branches of the congregation.  The Alexian Brothers AIDS ministries began in 1985 when the disease was stigmatized and very little known about it, much like their humble beginning in the time of the Black Plague.

The Alexian Brothers proclaim "the love of Christ compels us!" It is from this powerful expression that their Congregational lives and engages in their ministry. For over 800 years, the Alexian Brothers have dedicated their lives to the care of the sick, poor, dying, and marginalized people in society in collaboration with others. Daily Eucharist and communal prayer have supported them in living their Way of Life. The foundation in religious life of prayer and life in community sustains the Brothers in sharing Christ's healing mission

For more information please visit <a href="http://www.alexianbrothers.org">Congregation of Alexian Brothers</a>