Archbishop Emery new religious congregation attracted prospective candidates at a slow but steady pace. The first Haitian to join the community was his good friend Father Hygord Amédée, a priest, who like himself, had been looking for the support of a more spiritual environment in his pastoral ministry. Quickly Rev. Dr. Hygord Amédée took charge of Haïti and Caraïbes.
From the beginning, the new congregation distinguished itself by its innovative approach to pastoral ministry. In addition to traditional works like running parishes, preaching mission and teaching, some of the first professed members began a ministry to the deaf at a time when there was little sensitivity to the needs of the physically handicapped.
While every member friends of Christ, no matter what ministry he is engaged in, needs the daily nourishment of the Eucharist and personal prayer, as well as the encouragement of a supportive community, some members are more intensely involved in the spiritual dimension of our vocation.
Despite the pressing needs of a world hungry for love, Archbishop Emery, believed that ministry must be based in prayer. Prayer must precede action; action should follow prayer.
This concern for those suffering from poverty and injustice has been carried on through the congregation Archbishop Emery established, the Priest of Friends of Christ. In Archbishop's vision, the love God has for us demands a like response from us.
"Spirituality a strong, devoted love for Christ and a life lived in solidarity with the poor and neglected... As disciples of Archbishop Emery Kabango, the priest of the friends of Christ strive to carry on his vision in today's world....
