The Trinitarian Order, established in the late 12th century, was originally founded with a clear mission to free Christians who were persecuted and imprisoned during the Crusades.
Fast forward to today, and this historical order continues its mission of compassion and service, helping persecuted individuals who face suffering because of their faith.
Trinitarian Order: A Mission That Stands the Test of Time
In the heart of Rome, within the vibrant Trastevere neighborhood, the St. Chrysogonus Basilica stands as a testament to the Trinitarian Order’s long history.
The basilica, built in honor of a Christian soldier martyr, has been served by the order since 1850.
Father Antonio Aurelio, the vicar general of the Trinitarian order, passionately shares the mission that the order was born from.
As he puts it, “we were born to go to the dungeons,” emphasizing their commitment to reaching out to those in need, no matter how dire the circumstances.
The Order’s Origins: A Revolutionary Act of Service
The Trinitarian Order’s founding in 1198 by St. John of Matha marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Church. Prior to the establishment of the order, monastic life was the standard.
St. John of Matha broke this mold by creating an order that left the convents to actively assist those in dire need, particularly the Christian prisoners taken during the Crusades.
Their mission was not only to pay ransoms for these captives but, in some cases, to even exchange themselves for prisoners, offering their own lives for their release.
Following St. John of Matha’s Footsteps in the 21st Century
Today, the Trinitarians continue their founder’s legacy, though their mission has expanded to include the global fight for religious freedom.
In 1999, the Trinitarian International Solidarity (TIS) was founded to aid persecuted Christians and others facing religious persecution around the world.
The group has dedicated its efforts to working in regions where religious freedoms are under attack, particularly in countries like Syria, Nigeria, and India.
According to the 2023 World Religious Freedom Report by Aid to the Church in Need, Christians remain the most persecuted religious group, with 28 countries—home to over half the world’s population—falling under the “red” category for religious persecution.
The Trinitarians’ work is vital in these areas, as they continue to offer support, both visible and silent, to those suffering.
A Silent Presence in Crisis Zones
The Trinitarians are not only priests but also nuns, sisters, and lay members who are spread across various countries, including Europe, the U.S., Latin America, and parts of Africa.
Their work is humble and often silent, as they continue to stand by the persecuted, quietly providing hope and assistance in some of the world’s most dangerous places.
Their dedication is captured in the Spanish-language documentary Eight Centuries Later, which highlights the struggles of Christians in war-torn regions.
The documentary focuses on the dire circumstances of kidnapped Nigerian girls, the abandoned Christians in Syria, and the lack of religious freedom in India.
Father Aurelio explains that, like their founder, the Trinitarians aim to focus the spotlight on those who are suffering, letting their voices speak through the documentary.
The Trinitarians: Defenders of Freedom in a Troubling World
Father Aurelio stresses that Christianity’s message of freedom is often what provokes persecution from regimes and dictatorships.
Unlike some religions that promote subservience, Christianity’s core message is centered around the freedom and dignity of the individual.
He believes that Christianity’s emphasis on the well-being and freedom of the person is what frightens totalitarian governments, making them targets of persecution.
Despite the relative ease of life in the Western world, Father Aurelio urges Christians to take notice of the persecution happening globally.
He reflects on how society in developed nations has grown accustomed to its routines and often fails to recognize the harsh realities faced by fellow believers.
The Trinitarians, however, refuse to turn away from this crisis and continue their work, driven by their belief in the inherent freedom and dignity of every person.
The Trinitarian Order, founded with a mission of mercy, continues to serve those who are captives in a world filled with conflict, oppression, and religious intolerance.
Through their quiet but profound efforts, they embody the timeless message of their founder, St. John of Matha, and carry forward his legacy of redemption and liberation.