Charles was born into an aristocratic French family in 1858.

His parents died at an early age, and he lost his faith at the age of 16.

He entered military school in 1876 and wasted an inherited fortune on a frivolous life.

In 1881, he was sent to North Africa on a military campaign.

In 1982, he resigned from the army, refusing to send home his mistress.

He decided to explore Morocco and was awarded for his scientific observations.

Back in France he searched for instruction in the Catholic faith and in October 1986 he experienced a complete conversion and decided to give his life to God without reserve.

After a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, he joined the Trappist monks and in 1890 he had been captivated by the humility of God.

Back in Nazareth he worked for 3 years as a sacristan and gardener for the Poor Clares where he deepened an intimate relationship with Jesus.

He was ordained priest in 1901 and left once again for North Africa for a little oasis village of Beni Abbes.

In 1905, he left Beni Abbes to go south to Tamanrasset where he lived alone among the Tuareg, becoming their friend learning their language and recording their culture.

On the 1st December 1916 he was shot in an attempt to take him as a hostage, part of the intrigues of the 1914-18 war.

Brother Charles was canonized as a saint by Pope Francis on 15 May 2022 in Rome.

Pope Francis named him a prophet for our time.

 

His call like ours is to live friendship with all, expanding the boundaries of the Church, building one human family.