The Missionaries of God’s Love (MGL) are a form of consecrated life (priests, brothers and sisters) who are members of the Disciples of Jesus Community. The MGL began within the Disciples of Jesus covenant community in Canberra in 1986, under the guidance of Fr. Ken Barker. Some young men, who belonged to the covenant community, approached Fr. Ken, expressing a call to priesthood, but also wanting to remain part of the community. They agreed to meet weekly before the Blessed Sacrament for a year in order to listen to the Lord’s direction. At the end of that time they began to share a common life together in a fraternity house, seeking to live the Gospel in a radical manner, by imitating Jesus in his poverty, and developing a strong life of prayer and brotherhood. They began to understand that their commitment to contemplative prayer, adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and charismatic worship, was meant to empower them to bring God’s love to others, especially to the alienated and marginalised in society.
At the same time, after attending a Pastoral Training School - now known as Summer School of Evangelisation, Sr Patti Jo Crockett (A Franciscan Missionary of Mary Sister for 21 years) received the call to start consecrated life for women within the Community.
On the 13th of December, 1987, Fr Ken and Sr Patti Jo made vows publicly in the Missionaries of God's Love before the Community. Brothers and sisters, one grace one work!
Learn more about the Missionaries of God's Love below:
