Learn about the International Emmaus MovementThe first Emmaus community was founded in Neuilly-Plaisance near Paris, in 1949
The initial founders were Father Henri-Antoine Grouès, better known as Abbé Pierre, and Lucie Coutaz. Abbé Pierre was an MP, Catholic priest and former member of the French Resistance who fought to provide homes for those who lived on the streets of Paris.
“The honour of a country lies not in the beauty of its monuments; it truly lies with the fact that all it’s residents have a roof.”
Abbé Pierre
From that one house, and the first companion Georges Legay, a worldwide movement was formed which now helps people to help themselves, and others, in over 40 countries
“True charity is about acting against injustice.”
Abbé Pierre
You can read about the history | 404 and impact | 404 of the Emmaus movement on Emmaus International’s website. There are 29 Emmaus communities in the UK. They are all separate charities, following the Emmaus ethos in ways that are locally relevant.
