“Serve those worse off than yourself before yourself.” That’s the guiding principle of Emmaus. Here before us stands the Monument de la Communauté Emmaüs. It commemorates a movement born from compassion and action.
This monument celebrates Emmaus. Emmaus is an international solidarity movement. It all began in Paris in 1949. Abbé Pierre a Catholic priest and friar founded it. His goal was to combat poverty and homelessness.
Abbé Pierre’s work started after World War II. Paris faced terrible living conditions. Housing was scarce. Abbé Pierre opened his home to those in need. He only asked that they help others.
In 1947 he rented a run-down house. It was in Neuilly-Plaisance east of Paris. He rebuilt it into an international youth center. He named it “Emmaüs.” This symbolized renewed hope.
Georges Legay joined Abbé Pierre in 1949. Georges was a former convict. He had attempted suicide. Georges helped build homes for those in need.
Emmaus wasn’t meant to be just for Catholics. It welcomed people of all nationalities and backgrounds. It ignored political spiritual or religious differences.
Initially Abbé Pierre funded Emmaus himself. By 1951 money was tight. He began asking for donations on the streets. Then group members suggested collecting and selling trash.
Abbé Pierre dedicated himself to the homeless cause. He struggled to pay the first Emmaus members. The Church rebuffed him for begging. So he organized “rag pickers.” They collected unwanted items for resale. This became the basis for Emmaus’s fundraising. Profits went to helping others.
A harsh winter struck France in 1954. Many homeless people died. Abbé Pierre launched a radio appeal. He pleaded for help. Donations poured in.
The Emmaus movement spread internationally. Communities formed in many countries. They imitated Abbé Pierre’s actions. In 1969 groups from 20 countries adopted the Universal Manifesto. They created an international secretariat.
In 1971 Emmaus became Emmaus International. The manifesto stated the name comes from a Palestinian city. There desperate people found hope. It represents a common conviction. Only love can unite and help us move forward.
Emmaus’s objective is to help every human society and nation. The goal is for them to live and share. By 2017 there were 400 Emmaus organizations. They spanned 44 countries.
Emmaus continues its work today. It welcomes people provides housing and promotes reintegration. It collects reuses recycles and sells items. It engages in political campaigns and raises awareness. It undertakes social action and housing initiatives. These include emergency housing and fighting excessive debt. Emmaus also leads local European and international solidarity projects.
The Monument de la Communauté Emmaüs reminds us of this powerful story. It’s a story of compassion action and unwavering hope. It’s a call to serve those worse off than ourselves.