Stop 8 - The founder

St. Arnold Janssen.
Born in 1837 as the son of a carter in Goch on the Lower Rhine.

So far so ordinary. But what made this man the initiator of a worldwide community? And ultimately also a saint?

He grew up with nine siblings in a very religious family and was ordained a priest in 1861. In addition to theology, he also studied mathematics and natural sciences and worked as a teacher at a school in Bocholt.

Influenced by his time, it was very important to him to spread the faith in all countries of the world and to make the Word of God known. He tried to bring this vision to others in order to inspire them with it. But no one he approached wanted to take on such a great undertaking. Which is why he eventually founded a congregation himself.  

Once started, he was determined not to give up again and put all his trust in GOD to accompany him through difficulties and hopelessness.

"Even if a storm rages outside and many almost lose their courage,
nothing will keep us from going forward."
- loosely based on A.J.

Arnold Janssen was ahead of his time in many things and had a great vision for the future. Especially with regard to the universal Church and its common work. Thus a German order quickly became an international community whose members came from the most diverse countries and cultural circles. In addition, he strongly advocated the so-called "lay apostolate". This means that he saw all people as being able to serve in the name of the Church. Not just ordained priests - everyone could make a valuable contribution in his opinion.

On 15 January 1909, after a life full of challenges and trust in God, Arnold Janssen died in Steyl. In 2003 he was canonised for his commitment to the Church and all he achieved for the mission.

What's behind it all?

Vision

What actually is a vision?

A vision is an idea of a better future. A very personal utopia, so to speak. Let's imagine how the world could be:

Just. Without violence and discrimination. A world in which all people can live well together and support each other instead of harming others out of selfishness or ignorance.

These are all still very abstract ideas. But vision means even more. It means having a clear picture in mind. Something that becomes tangible and real from these abstract desires. A goal that can be worked towards. And it can be big.

Visions drive us on. It takes many small stages to get close to them. But their size and scope also make many things possible that previously seemed unattainable.

Arnold Janssen had many visions, which developed out of his faith. For the world, for the people who live in it, and for the Church that builds it. Shaping the world in GOD's sense was a constant guide for him. He was able to reach some stages. But his visions were greater than himself and still live on today in the communities he founded and in everything he initiated.

Impulse for you

Arnold Janssen was a man who had visions. A man who became a saint through his visions and the courage to put them into practice. Having a vision of one's own life is one thing. But a vision goes beyond that. "What if?" is the question asked here. What if I could shape the world according to my vision? With this vision in mind, we can come closer to it step by step.

Do I have a vision for myself, my life and the world?

What is the next stage on the way to this vision?