Joseph Cardijn

author

Belgian^[1] b. 13 November 1882, Schaerbeek, Belgium^[1,3] d. 24 July 1967, Leuven, Belgium^[1,2] active 1912–1967

Joseph Cardijn (1882–1967) was a Belgian Catholic cardinal and the founder of the Young Christian Workers (Jeunesse ouvrière chrétienne, JOC). A prominent social activist, he dedicated his life to improving the conditions of the working class through Catholic values. He began organizing study circles for young female workers in 1912 and later expanded the movement internationally. Cardijn was known as 'the Workers' Apostle' and was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Paul VI in 1965.^[1,4]

• Catholic social activism
• labor rights
• youth organization

Works by Joseph Cardijn

• 1939 Croisade ouvrière J.O.C. Rome 1939 Jeunesse Ouvrière Chrétienne · book · French Album composed for the JOC pilgrimage to Rome.

Awards

• 1965 Cardinal Pope Paul VI

References

1. Joseph Cardijn link
2. 58th Anniversary of Cardinal Joseph Cardijn's Death. 2025 link
3. Joseph Cardijn link
4. The Life of Cardijn link