The History of The Grail

The Grail, founded by Father Jacques van Ginneken, SJ in the early 20th century at Nijmegen University in The Netherlands, is a spiritual and social movement of women that emphasizes personal transformation and the pursuit of truth. Father van Ginneken, a Dutch priest, sought to create a community that would foster spiritual development and engagement with contemporary issues.

Father van Ginneken inspired young women, who are university students and workers to respond to the challenges on culture and social changes. On 1 November 1921, they took the name, Women of Nazareth, a reference to the earliest women followers of Jesus, which was later on renamed as The Grail. 

Since the, The Grail has evolved and continuously adapts to changing societal contexts while remaining committed to its core values of spiritual growth and community service. Moving forward, it continues to inspire individuals seeking a deeper connection to their faith and a more meaningful engagement with the world.

The History of The Grail Philippines

It was in 1975 when the Grail in the Philippines was first recognized. The then-International Grail President, Simone Tagher of Egypt, presided over the commitment ceremonies of Filipino women under the leadership of Rebecca B. Nebrida, who got elected eventually as member of the International Presidency Team (IPT) in the late eighties. It was a favorable year to start the Grail in the Philippines since 1975 was declared by the United Nations as first year of the Decade of Women. Four Grail teams were created and worked in the country’s three island groups namely, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Two are located in Mindanao, specifically at Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte, Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental provinces. One team is located in Visayas particularly in Eastern Samar while another team comes from Metro Manila in Luzon.

An inclusive movement of women was envisioned by the Philippine Grail. In the eighties, the Grail in Metro Manila had members who are professionals, grassroots women as well as those from squatter or slum areas. For almost a decade, they met regularly sharing biblical reflections. They eventually moved together to work on community projects like preschools and marriage enrichment programs.

The Grail Philippines was given certification by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1987.