In this special year of the Bicentenary of the Congregation, we are invited to pause and reflect with gratitude on the life and legacy of Fr Jean Baptiste Désiré Debrabant (1801–1880), the man whose faith, vision and dedication gave birth to the Holy Union family.
Father Debrabant was a man of deep prayer and profound desire for God. He was remembered as deeply recollected and devoted to the Eucharist.
One story tells how, when a storm prevented him from reaching the church, he remained in prayer beneath a tree rather than allowing the circumstances to interrupt his encounter with God.
Prayer was the foundation from which he lived and served. He was also a man of generous and compassionate love.
His charity was expressed in concrete acts of self-giving, to the extent that he was once left with only one chair for himself. His life revealed a heart that was ready to give generously for others.
His passion for Christian education and evangelization was equally remarkable. He accompanied young people, catechized families, reached out to prisoners and sought every opportunity to bring people closer to Christ. His presence and ministry continually pointed others towards God.
The Holy Union Sisters reflect on his legacy:
“As daughters of Father Debrabant, the Bicentenary invites us not only to celebrate our heritage but to live the spirit and values we have received from him.
We may ask ourselves: Does my life reflect that I am truly a daughter of Father Debrabant? How am I passing his legacy on to others?
May this anniversary inspire each of us to learn more about our Founder and to choose one aspect of his life to live more intentionally. And may we joyfully embrace the words with which he so affectionately addressed the Sisters in his letters: ‘My Very Dear Daughters’.”
In this very special day, six young women who have arrived at Houkha (Cameroon) officially begin their Pre-Novitiate journey.
The Sisters in Cameroon share: “We entrust them to the Lord as they take this important step in discerning and responding to God’s call. May this new chapter be filled with grace, joy, growth and a deeper love for Christ and the Holy Union charism. We wish them a blessed and fruitful journey!”.
From Amour et Verité, Vol. 1/N.10/October 2026