Our founder: Joseph Cardijn
Joseph Cardijn was born on 13th November 1882 at Schaerbeek, a district of Brussels. His parents, Louise and Henri, were caretakers of a small block of flats. His mother suffered from bad health and young Joseph was looked after by his grandmother in Hal, a small Flemish town. A few years later his parents moved to Hal where his father ran a small coal merchants business.
Early years
Hal was fast becoming the centre of industrial growth and development. At the time he was about to leave school his parents naturally thought of him taking a job in the factory with the other working class boys of the town but Joseph had other ideas, he wanted to become a Priest.
Young Christian Workers of Ireland is a registered charity. Registered Charity Number 20108595
Tribute to Fr. Eoin McCrystal, YCW National Chaplain
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