In Perpignan, Louis-Joseph joined a Catholic brotherhood at the age of 14
On February 21, the first Saturday of Lent, Louis-Joseph and his group of young penitents will visit the residents of the Le patio de Jeanne nursing home, in Perpignan (Pyrénées-Orientales). “We want to be present with elderly people whose families are sometimes far away,” he explains. Last year we made pancakes, spoke with residents to find out where they came from, if they knew La Sanch. » La Sanch is the Catholic brotherhood which supervises the little brothers of Saint-Vincent-Ferrier, of which the teenager is a member. The youngest, around sixty in total, meet within the Petits pénitents and the Petites Madeleines.
Founded in 1416 following the preaching of the Dominican priest Vincent Ferrier, La Sanch – “blood” in Catalan, in homage to the “precious blood of the Lord” – was initially intended to commemorate the passion of Christ, but also to assist prisoners and those condemned to death at the time of their execution. Faithful to the spirit of the origins, the brotherhood still celebrates Holy Week with a procession, and today seeks to transmit its values by raising awareness among young people of charitable action.
“This is not limited to the Christmas meal we organize for the homeless, nor our visit to the elderly during Lent. It is every day that we are called to provide service, following the example of Saint Vincent Ferrier,” testifies Louis-Joseph. The medal he received during the traditional Missa de Cap d’Any (Epiphany Mass) in January 2025, with ten other girls and boys, is there to remind him.
A wish against the grain
The commitment that the teenager made on this occasion is a first step towards integrating the brotherhood. And a way to be part of a family tradition: “My father and my grandfather are already part of it. I have no obligation to follow them, but their journey piqued my interest. » One would be tempted to object that this is very unfashionable, tradition, penance, service… “It’s true, sometimes I don’t want to get up,” admits Louis-Joseph. I then remember everything Jesus did for me! I also enjoy meeting friends seen from afar at school. I share things with them that I don’t experience elsewhere. » And added: “It’s difficult to see so many religious conflicts around the world. But despite this news, I want to show that we can keep the faith despite everything. »
