The Alexian Brothers: A Legacy of Compassion and Healing in the Modern World

“Strengthened by community, prayer, commitment to the poor and the legacy of our founders, and in partnership with others, we Alexian Brothers witness the Healing Christ by a holistic approach to promoting health and caring for the sick, dying, aged, and unwanted of all socio-economic levels.”

The Alexian Brothers, a religious community dedicated to serving the sick, poor, and marginalized, have a rich history that spans centuries. Their origins trace back to the 12th century, emerging in the Middle Ages as small Christian communities focused on caring for the vulnerable. These early communities, although initially considered unorthodox, gradually gained recognition for their selfless work—especially during the Black Death of the 14th century when the Brothers courageously tended to plague victims, risking their own lives in the process.

Pope Sixtus IV formally recognized the Alexian Brothers as a religious order in 1472, under the Rule of St. Augustine, marking a pivotal moment in their institutional history. Despite the challenges posed by political upheaval, including the suppression during the French Revolution and in the early 19th century, the Alexian Brothers were revived, notably under Brother Dominic Brock. Over the years, their ministry expanded globally, with hospitals, healthcare centers, and care facilities established across Germany, Belgium, Ireland, the United States, the Philippines, and Hungary.

In the Philippines, the Alexian Brothers began their mission in 1981, establishing their first community in Davao City with Brothers Eugene Gizzi and Maurice Wilson. Their initial work focused on vocational recruitment, healthcare outreach, and helping the poor. By the 1990s, they expanded their ministry further, collaborating with San Pedro Hospital and launching a mobile health clinic to bring care to impoverished communities. The Alexian Brothers’ healthcare and social services mission in the Philippines has grown over the years, notably with the opening of the Alexian Brothers Health and Wellness Center (ABHWC) in 2001 and the Dalangpanan ni San Alejo, a refuge for street dwellers, in 2023. Today, the Alexian Brothers continue to provide compassionate care to those in need, upholding a centuries-old legacy of service and selflessness.

The Alexian Brothers in the Philippines offer a wide array of healthcare services, many of which are designed to reach the most underserved populations. The Alexian Brothers Health and Wellness Center (ABHWC) serves as a comprehensive outpatient facility, offering general and specialized medical consultations, diagnostic services, therapy, and preventive healthcare programs. Soon, the center will also offer affordable pharmaceutical services, ensuring that even the poorest can access the medicines they need.

In addition, the Dalangpanan ni San Alejo, a home for itinerant street dwellers, provides basic services like feeding, bathing, and laundry. These services are offered every Tuesday and Thursday, giving street dwellers the opportunity to regain a sense of dignity by meeting their essential needs.

The primary beneficiaries of their programs are the underprivileged, the poor, and the needy who lack access to quality and affordable healthcare, and to basic necessities such as food and hygiene.

The community can support the Alexian Brothers’ mission in several ways, from offering prayers for their work to spreading awareness about the needs of the poor and vulnerable. Advocating for the vulnerable by treating them with respect and dignity is also a way to support. Lastly, we can build a culture of compassion by practicing kindness and becoming an example of the Alexian values of care, humility, and service in your own community.

Ultimately, the Alexian Brothers’ mission is not just about providing medical care or social service. It’s about building a culture of compassion, where the dignity of every person is recognized, and where service to the most vulnerable is a shared responsibility.