(1858-1916) Charles was born in Strasbourg, France, orphaned at six, raised by his grandfather, and began a military career. He lost his faith in adolescence and became fascinated by the Arabs in his young adulthood. After working as an explorer in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, he rediscovered his faith, made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and eventually became a Trappist priest. Charles was killed by marauders in a conflict between the French and Arab insurrectionists in Algeria.
Consider making the accompanying prayer a part of your Step 11.
“Father, I abandon myself into Your hands; do with me what You will. Whatever You do I thank You. I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only Your will be done in me, as in all Your creatures, I ask no more than this, my Lord. Into Your hands I commend my soul; I offer it to You, O Lord, with all the love of my heart, for I love You, my God, and so need to give myself – to surrender myself into Your hands, without reserve and with total confidence, for You are my Father” (Saint Charles de Foucauld, Prayer of Abandonment).
Reflection by Brad Farmer