Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.: The Making of the Christian Man

We live at a hard time for young men in our country. It’s a time that too often seems to feed the worst male instincts, from weakling drone to selfish bully. Becoming a mature Christian man can be a demanding task. But history can be a useful teacher.

Some 900 years ago, in A.D. 1118–19, a small group of men came together in Jerusalem to form a religious community. They were pilgrims. The First Crusade had retaken the city from Muslim rule in 1099. The men, who were all from Europe’s knightly order, had come looking for a life of common prayer and service. They got both, but not in the way they intended.

Having trained as warriors, the men had certain skills. As knights, they came from respected families with important connections. At the time, the roads leading to Jerusalem and other holy sites were infested with brigands and Muslim raiders that would rob, rape, murder, or abduct many of those making the journey. The Christian rulers of the city needed help in protecting the travelers. The men had taken vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to the Patriarch of Jerusalem. And their first task, under obedience, was to patrol the roads. ….

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