Le Bon Larron
(Association Privée de Fidèles)
(Association Loi 1901)
4, rue du Pont des Murgers
78610 AUFFARGIS
Tél. : 01 34 84 13 08
Fax : 01 34 84 96 08
" Le roseau ployé, il ne le brisera pas " (Isaïe 42-3)
History
The fraternity was founded by Father Aubry in 1983, when he became the first chaplain of the new prison of Bois d'Arcy (Yvelines), - France - and received this inward call :
" You will announce
my Word,
in due time or otherwise,
always, to everybody, everywhere, whatever happens.
You will not build it out of your own initiative.
You will not search any help. I will give them to you ! "
Father Aubry went back to the Lord January 18th, 2002.
This Christian association, was recognised as a " private association of faithful " by his lordship Mgr Jean-Charles Thomas, bishop of Versailles on September 8th, 1998.
Now, the Fraternity has more than 1000 supporters all over France and french speaking countries of Europe and Africa, 450 correspondants and 30 visitors.
Purpose
The Fraternity of " Good Thief " wants to help people before, during and after detention. Its main purposes are :
- To bring to the prison inmates (and to their families) an efficient and brotherly support during their detention and help them in their rehabilitation in society after they have been released.
- In order to achieve this goal, to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to the prisoners, former prisoners and to their families, and to consider spiritual growth as the basis of any reinsertion.
- To stir up the interest of all believers for all activities which could help achieving the above mentioned purposes.
- To witness the infinite Mercy of the Lord among the young people in churches, youth groups,...
- To take part in the development and adjustment of the judiciary and penitentiary system.
- Our Fraternity, is also concerned with the "jails without bars", like drugs, alcohol...
450 correspondents regularly
write to prisoners from 60 jails in France.
Precious letters who bring :
- understanding ...
- affection ...
- warm and lively faith ...
How many fits of despondency didn't they avoid !How many conversions didn't
they bring about !
Many inmates are waiting
for men and women to show them that Our God's love is offered to all. The
goal of the mail, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in a both discrete
and bold friendship, is to reveal to the prisoner that he has a Saviour who
loves him. Some members of the Fraternity make themselves available to help
the correspondents who need it, in their relationship with their inmate.
Gatherings
The strength of the testimonies of former prisoners is an essential part of the Fraternity - frequent gatherings - national or local - are as many opportunities to touch the hearts of believing or unbelieving participants.
Young people
In 2002, formers prisoners have testified of their faith in front of more than 3500 young people, in schools, churches, young people gatherings. The main fruits of this action are Evangelisation, prevention, another way of looking at the jail, and an awakening to future vocations.
Spirituality
Teachings, retreats, prayer help our members in their mission. The Board of directors chooses a spiritual advisor and has him confirmed by The Bishop of Versailles. Our spiritual advisor now is Father Jacques Destelle, a former jail chaplain.
Prayer
groups
 |
30 groups are now
spread all over the country. Click here to see a "Prayer to Jesus" in french and in english. |
Week-ends " Good Thief "
Several time a year,
Father Aubry, the founder of Fraternity of " Good Thief " and former
chaplain of the prison of Bois d'Arcy, invites several former prionners, correspondants,
visitors, keepers, judges ...
Teaching, testimonies of conversions of former prionners and songs of praise
to the glory of God the saviour, here are two days of upsetting, dynamic and
cheerful faith
Visitors
About thirty visitors
come regularly to the prisons in order to visit, comfort, express their faith
together with inmates.
What a worth at the same time for the inmate and for the visitor !
Training and information
Training is given through meetings and documents. We just printed out a booklet of testimonies, and a guide for correspondents and visitors.
Medias
Bulletin published with 2000 copies, 3 to 4 issues per year.
" Metamorphosis behind bars " write by father Aubry, more than 10 000 copies have already been sold. The book is translated into English and spanish.
Broadcast on local radios : Radio Notre Dame (100.7) , Radio Maria in the South East of France (FM 95.4)
Internet
: http://www.bonlarron.org
email : info@bonlarron.org
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