Immaculate Conception Brothers

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IMMACULATE CONCEPTION BROTHERS

Or Maastricht Brothers (Congregatio Fratrum Immaculatae Conceptionis, FIC), a congregation founded at Maastricht, Netherlands, by Louis Rutten (180991), a secular priest, and Jacob Hoecken (181080), a layman. Papal approval came in 1848 and 1870. The brothers have taught in schools, cared for orphans, and nursed the sick. Missions were opened in South America, Africa and Asia. In all these missions the brothers teach boys, especially in secondary schools, and also direct training schools for teachers.

[w. ubachs/eds.]