BROTHERS OF CHARITY TANZANIA
SAINT DOMINIC REGION
Every group or community with a clear mission has sources of inspiration. The Brothers of Charity draw theirs from the charism of charity, which is the heart of the Congregation and has been central since its foundation in 1807.
Founder Peter Joseph Triest shared this charity in the motto he gave the Congregation: God is love. With God’s love, the Brothers of Charity take their place in the world and let that love shine, especially for those who experience little love due to illness, disability, poverty, or marginalization.
It is a journey into God’s love: to be open to it, filled by it, and to become true people of charity. This is the profound meaning behind our name: Brothers of Charity.
Our prime example is Jesus, who lived as a good neighbour, full of compassion for the suffering and forgiveness for sinners. In Him, we see God’s love and mercy. By following Him, we too can become loving and compassionate neighbours.
“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40).
Jesus invites us to see, meet, and love Him in our neighbours. The commandment to love, even our enemies, is expressed in works of mercy, helping us live this love in everyday life.
Our original name was ‘Hospital Brothers of Saint Vincent’. This reflects the founder’s clear intention: to live hospitality by helping the sick and poor, following Saint Vincent’s example of care and charity.
Saint Vincent saw the poor as icons of Christ, to be served with respect and love. This Vincentian spirituality guides us today to prioritize the poor in our activities and respond to new needs in society.
Charity, from these roots, is a movement of love, compassion, and concrete works of mercy. We aim to express this professionally in all we do.
In summary, as Brothers of Charity, moved by God’s love, we want to let this love shine, spread it, and share it with the poor. We find inspiration in Jesus Christ, Saint Vincent de Paul, and our founder Peter Joseph Triest. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment for those on society’s margins, with charity as the core of our work.