Jericho Benedictines
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The Jericho Benedictines are a Society of Apostolic Life which is one of the forms of religious community within the Catholic Church.
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[edit] History
The group began in Paisley, Scotland during the 1970s, when a group of men found themselves deeply moved by the plight of those who lived rough, and were marginalised by society because of their struggle with alcohol. Fr. James Ferguson, a priest of the Diocese of Paisley, gathered these men together, and they chose the name 'Jericho Benedictines', a name which is highly significant. Jericho was the town which had its walls crumble before the power of God; the Jericho Benedictines hope that the walls between society and those suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction will also crumble. The Rule of the Order of St. Benedict stresses that everyone is to be welcomed with true hospitality as though that person were Christ Himself.
The Jericho Benedictine website states that its members have the ministry of... "welcoming, supporting, and caring for those being “passed by on the other side” irrespective of colour, class, creed, sex, sexual orientation or culpability."
[edit] Life
As a Society of Apostolic Life is not a religious order; Jericho Benedictines do not take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. However, they embrace these same charisms so that they may: live simply, devote themselves totally to the ministry and be willing to go where they are most needed, even when this is inconvenient.
The journey officially begins with postulancy which lasts from 6 to 9 months. After this there is a two-year novitiate, at the end of which the novice makes his Benedictine Oblation at Prinknash Abbey, Gloucestershire, (with which the Jericho Benedictines have been granted an informal association). The member also solemnly renews his Baptismal Vows at the Society's motherhouse: the Monastery of Jesus in Kilbarchan, near the town of Johnstone in Renfrewshire. Thereafter he is a “junior” for three years, during which time both spiritual and secular development continue in order for the member to begin ministering at one of the Jericho inns.
[edit] Jericho Inns
The Society's houses are called 'Jericho Inns' in order to emphasise the element of hospitality. Since their foundation, the Jericho Benedictines have expanded their ministry beyond the care of those recovering from alcohol.
To ensure that a professional presence is maintained at all times, a staff of some 70 people work alongside the Jericho Benedictines.
Derby: Recovering drug users. Dundee: Recovering alcoholics in a purpose built facility. Edinburgh: Registered Residential Care Home, a half-way house, free food and clothing for the homeless. Girvan: Place where people who are cared for can experience a week's holiday. Greenock: Has two inns: at Bank Street for recovering alcoholics and at Shankland Road for those recovering from alcohol and/or drug abuse. Paisley: Registered Residential Care Home for highly dependent recovering alcoholics. Wolverhampton: Short and long term support units for women and children. Also, a half-way house.
[edit] Jericho Neighbours
Like the religious orders of the Middle Ages, the Jericho Benedictines are assisted by an army of volunteers. Apart from their regular prayers, these men and women raise money for the work of the Society as well as help out, whenever possible, at one of the Jericho Inns.
