Josephites of Belgium


The Josephites of Belgium are a Roman Catholic clerical religious congregation of pontifical right devoted to the Christian education of youth, founded in the Diocese of Ghent by Canon van Crombrugghe, in 1817.
While their primary apostolate is the education of youth, they also have a missionary past in Africa. Their headquarters is at Karmelietenstraat 57, 9500 Geraardsbergen, Belgium. The organisation is a Congregation of Pontifical Right.

History

The Josephites were founded in the Diocese of Ghent by Canon Constant van Crombrugghe in 1817. Members of the congregation use the initials "C.J." after their names.
The purpose was the education of children from poorer backgrounds who might not otherwise go to school. The congregation set up a commercial school and an industrial school.
As of 2017 the congregation had established four schools in Belgium, two in England, one in the United States, and nine in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Superiors general

In 2004, they had 14 houses, with 113 members including 84 priests.

Prelates from their ranks

; Deceased