After more than thirty years of missionary presence in Bucharest, the Brothers of St John in Europe, gathered in Provincial Chapter, have discerned that the time has come to bring this mission to a close. 

This decision, though painful, is made in trust and in fidelity to our mission. In the context of a shortage of brothers, the Province is called to reorganise its presence so as to respond more effectively to the most pressing pastoral needs, particularly in places where the demand is growing, including the increasing number of adult baptisms. 

We wish to express our deep gratitude to His Excellency Aurel Percă, Archbishop of Bucharest — as well as to his predecessor, His Excellency Ioan Robu, who first invited us — and to all the faithful, oblates, and friends who have welcomed and supported us over the years. Many strong and lasting spiritual and fraternal bonds have been formed. 

The departure of the brothers is foreseen for the summer of 2027. The coming period will be one of transition and discernment, in dialogue with the Archdiocese, so that this place may continue to serve the life of the Church in Romania. 

The sadness of this departure is all the greater as the brothers have been deeply happy in Bucharest. Nevertheless, they do so with confidence, entrusting its future to a lively and diverse ecclesial landscape, marked by the presence of many religious communities, a dynamic clergy, and numerous committed lay people, with whom they have built precious fraternal and spiritual bonds. 

A chapter of history comes to an end

Upon their arrival in Romania in 1991, the first group of Brothers discovered a Church that had just regained the freedom to live out its faith and profess it publicly. Received first at the headquarters of Caritas, then in the parish of Sfânta Cruce, and later in Cioplea, they offered a life of prayer, spiritual teaching and catechesis within the parish, guidance for scouts, as well as lectures at the Faculty of Philosophy and the Roman Catholic Faculty of Theology in Bucharest, and in the Greek-Catholic seminaries of Blaj and Cluj. 

In 1995, work began on the establishment, in the Bucureștii Noi district, within the present-day convent, which Providence had enabled them to acquire and develop with the help of many Romanian and international volunteers. The contemplative sisters later joined them there. This period was notably marked by a significant commitment to ecumenical dialogue with Orthodox theologians, monks and artists. The brothers also led a School of life and the “Efata” association serving deaf children. 

After 2010, the Mănăstirea Sfânta Familie took on its current form, as a place where the faith is lived and shared in the simplicity of the Holy Family. The convent, with its distinctive chapel dedicated in 1999, has provided a setting for prayer, retreats, formation, activities for children and young people, and hospitality, including a student residence and, more recently, temporary shelter for migrants in situations of vulnerability. It has also become a base for mountain excursions, summer and winter camps, pilgrimages, evangelisation missions, and various initiatives carried out in cooperation with other religious communities of the Archdiocese, particularly the Carmelite Missionary Sisters, who took over the neighbouring convent after the departure of the contemplative sisters. 

In total, 35 Brothers of Saint John have been sent to Bucharest to live and bear witness to their consecration. For the good that has been accomplished through them, we give thanks.

Together, let us entrust this new path to the Holy Family: may the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph guide each of us to the place where their Son awaits us.