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Little Brothers and Little Sisters of the Lamb, a religious community with roots in Paris, has garnered attention for its unique approach to spirituality. The community is known for its "epic" spirituality and joyful demeanor, living in small wooden dwellings and engaging in original plays and songs.
Oscar Shingledecker, a college student from North Carolina, was drawn to their lifestyle. Cathe Sienkiewicz, a Kansas mother and catechist, appreciated their distinctive sung Masses. Aaron Riches, a theologian familiar with the community's work in two countries, was captivated by their Christ-centered missionary vision.
The community operates "little monasteries" across several countries including France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, Argentina, Chile, and Kansas. Their mendicant lifestyle involves going door-to-door asking for food. Little Sister Marie-Jeanne from Paris leads the sisters in Kansas City. She explained that they experience joy through their need for God: “We experience a joy in our need for God because in our poverty before him we are met with his generosity.”
Founded in 1968 by Dominican sisters exploring theological questions like "Who is God?" the community was officially recognized by Chartres Bishop Michel Kuehn in 1981. Since then it has received support from various church leaders including Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City who welcomed them to his city in 2008.
Archbishop Naumann expressed admiration for their way of life: “From my first encounter with the Little Sisters many years ago in Rome I was drawn to their charism of being mendicants beggars depending on God’s providence for everything.” He also noted how they connect with people facing personal challenges.
Shingledecker encountered the community during his freshman year at Benedictine College. He visited them twice while studying abroad: “Their motherhouse is amazing,” he said describing its scenic location and peaceful atmosphere.
The community’s liturgy blends Eastern and Western traditions aiming to reflect what the Second Vatican Council sought. Sienkiewicz praised it as an intentional expression engaging participants fully: “People find themselves drawn to it as an experience that meets a profound need.”
Riches shared experiences visiting them both abroad and locally: “The most moving thing I have done with the community was this winter my son and I went on a mission overnight with two of the Little Brothers... For 12 hours we were poor with the poor."
Their motto is "Wounded I never cease to love," emphasizing humility by using lowercase 'little' throughout descriptions of themselves highlighting Christ over self-promotion.
Archbishop Naumann commented on why they chose Kansas saying it reflects divine guidance rather than worldly priorities: “The Holy Spirit did not guide them to Washington D.C., New York City or Los Angeles but rather to the heart of our nation."
Little Sister Marie-Jeanne acknowledged American generosity she witnessed firsthand noting spontaneous acts of kindness among Americans she encountered here since arriving from France originally.
Tom Hoopes contributed this report originally published via Our Sunday Visitor based out Huntington Indiana
