Alexian Brothers Heritage

The Alexian Brothers proclaim "the love of Christ compels us!" It is from this powerful expression that our Congregational lives and engages in our ministry. For over 800 years, we have dedicated our lives to the care of the sick, poor, dying, and marginalized people in our society in collaboration with others. Daily Eucharist and communal prayer have supported us in living our Way of Life. The foundation in religious life of prayer and life in community sustains us in sharing Christ's healing mission.

We find meaning and courage in carrying out our mission from Christ's words in the Scriptures, "whatever you do to the least of these brothers of mine, you do it to me." (Mt 25:40) We believe that it is in caring for our brothers and sisters, especially the marginated, that we express our love and care for God. Today, we provide health care and housing services for older adults in a variety of settings: Adult Day Care (P.A.C.E.), assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, memory care and retirement communities. We have acute care hospitals to respond to the particular needs of the population within the Illinois area, including behavioral health, hospice, and physical rehabilitation. We provide transitional housing for homeless people with AIDS/HIV and mental illness. We minister to other homeless groups and the hungry. We also have had missions in the Philippines for more than 25 years and a mission in Hungary for over 10 years.