This offering for the Year of Consecrated Life explores the place of the Religious Brother within the Church-Communion.

Following the three dimensions within which the Church-Communion presents itself, this document from the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life develops the identity of the Brother as a mystery of communion for mission. At the centre of this triple perspective lies the heart of the identity of the Religious Brother – namely ‘fraternity’, which is a gift that is received (mystery), a gift that is shared (communion) and a gift that is given away (mission).

The text concludes with some guidelines so that in every part of the world and in every community, each Religious Brother may respond to the question: How can we be Brothers today?

As well as Religious Brothers, this document is also directed to the laity, religious priests, diocesan priests, bishops and all those who want to know about, appreciate and promote the vocation of the Religious Brother in the Church.